Rumyantsev-obelisk in Sint-Petersburg c. 1860 - 1880

Alfred Lorens made this photograph of the Rumyantsev Obelisk in St. Petersburg, Russia, sometime in the mid-19th century. The obelisk, crowned with an eagle, symbolizes military triumph and imperial power, reflecting Russia's expansionist ambitions and its rulers' desire for recognition on the European stage. The stark contrast between the monumental obelisk and the people in the foreground highlights social hierarchies and the state's dominance. The location of this monument in a public space invites collective memory and reinforces national identity. The Rumyantsev Obelisk was originally erected on Vasilyevsky Island in 1799 to commemorate the victories of Count Pyotr Rumyantsev in the Russo-Turkish Wars, it was later moved to a more central location in 1818, becoming a focal point for patriotic expression. Further research into Russian imperial history and urban planning can reveal deeper meanings embedded in this photograph.