Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

164 TAURIDA PALACE.ANTIQUE STATUE.

community, a kind of chapter of women and girls founded by the Empress Anne. Enormous buildings form the residences of these ladies. The noble asylum, with its cloisters, is a eity of itself, but its architecture would be more appropriate for a military establishment than a religious congregation: it is

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neither like a convent nor a palace; it is a barrack for women.

In Russia every thing is under a military system ; the discipline of the army reigns even in the chapter of the ladies of Smolna.

Near to that building is seen the little palace of the Taurida, built in a few weeks by Potemkin for Catherine. The palace is elegant, but forsaken ; and in this country that which is forsaken is soon destroyed ; even the stones will not last, except on condition of their being eared for. A winter garden occupies one side of the building. It is a magnificent hot-house, empty at the present season, and I believe neglected at all seasons. Chandeliers, and other signs of elegance, old, but without the majesty which time imprints on the true antique, prove that dances and suppers have once been given there. The last ball I believe which the Taurida has seen, or ever will see, took plaee on the marriage of the Grand Duchess Helena, wife of the Grand Duke Michael.

In a corner is a Venus de Medicis, said to be a real antique. This model has, as is well known, been often reproduced by the Romans.

The statue is placed upon a pedestal, on which is this inscription in Russian :

" PRESENT FROM POPE CLEMENT XI. TO THE EMPEROR PETER I,