Words in pictures: Primavera

Primavera, Gherardi Cristofano called Doceno (1508/ 1556)
Palazzo Vecchio, Florence
Ceiling painting

The Small Winter Garden in the Winter Palace, St. Petersburg.

Watercolours by Konstantin Ukhtomsky (1818-1881), reveal the luxuriant greenery of the Small Winter Garden of Empress Aleksandra Fëdorovna (1872-1918) in the Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, around the 1860s.

In the 19th century, winter gardens were a fashionable addition to wealthy houses in St. Petersburg. Rare plants, perfumed flowers, coloured parrots, goldfish, fountains, secret corners and a pleasant warmth helped to forget the harsh Russian winter that raged outside.

To create the perfect environment for plants and prevent problems caused by excessive humidity and water leaks, water tanks and a boiler were placed under the marble staircase of the Small Winter Garden, and hot water circulated through pipes. Ample windows and glazed doors   increased lighting and created the illusion of a larger space as the arched openings that connected the enfilade of rooms and mirrors. Trellis embroidered by ivy and climbing plants created living green walls completed by delicate stucco garlands of flowers on the ceiling and paintings.
A small marble fountain was surrounded by flowers and plants, birds sang and fluttered freely.

The atmosphere was unique. Plants in pots, such as palms, bananas, camellias and orchids, become indoor decorative elements combined with fabric, such as the silk and satin that draped the grotto in front of the fountain, carpets, statues, and a fireplace.

Paintings:
Konstantin Andreyevich Ukhtomsky
Interiors of the Winter Palace. The Small Winter Garden in the Apartments of Alexandra Fyodorovna
https://www.arthermitage.org/Ukhtomsky-Konstantin-Andreyevich/index.start24.show48.html