The Hermitage is a world class museum on par with the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. It houses masterpieces from centuries and civilizations around the world. And it is an old palace of amazing structure and treasures.
This bird to the right is a clock. There is a lot of molded gold in this museum and beautiful intricate handcrafted objects. Also noteworthy are the magnificant ballrooms, archways and grand staircases.
Even the walls are works of art.
The Return of the Prodigal, by Rembrandt
http://www.bridges-across.org/ba/nouwen.htm An excerpt from the book on the Return of the Prodigal, by the Theologian Henri Nouwen. This book touched my husband, Bob, and inspired him to want to see this painting for himself. This was a major factor in our taking a Baltic cruise going to St. Petersburg and taking a tour going to the Hermitage.
It was a bit of challenge taking photos here for two reasons. One is that we were not allowed to use flash. Of course. To protect these precious paintings. (It irked me that many did anyway!!!). And then all the cruise ships seemed to have their tours all arrive at the same time so it was quite crowded at the same attractions. Still... it was worth going and I think some photos turned out well in spite of the hindrinces.
