Much of Maxim Vorobyov’s oeuvre addresses the solemnity and majesty of St Petersburg. This particular work depicts the descent to the River Neva next to the Imperial Academy of Arts — Konstantin Ton’s New Academy Landing Wharf (1832–34). The mooring point is adorned with two sculptures of Egyptian sphinxes allegedly portraying the head of Pharaoh Amenhotep III (13th century BC).

Vorobyov Maxim

Vorobyov, Maxim Nikiforovich
1787, Pskov - 1855, St Petersburg
Painter, draughtsman, engraver. Studied architecture under Jean-Francois Thomas de Thomons and landscape painting under Fyodor Alexeyev and possibly under Mikhail Ivanov at the Imperial Academy of Arts (1798-1809). Awarded second silver medals (1806, 1807), first silver medal (1808), first gold medal and first-class degree (1809). Reputedly joined Fyodor Alexeyev''s expedition to paint views of central Russian towns (1810-12). Academician (1814). Painted views of the environs of Moscow for the Imperial Academy of Arts (1817) and studies for the court during the Russo-Turkish War (1828). Mostly painted Italian views during the last years of his life. Taught at the Imperial Academy of Arts (1815-55), professor (1823), headed the perspective painting class and landscape class (from 1826). Academy councillor for perspective painting (1827), professor emeritus (1843).