Valentin Blinov Saint Petersburg – Kryukov Canal Date: 1994 Technique: Pastel

Saint Petersburg – Kryukov Canal Date: 1994 Technique: Dry pastel and mixed media on natural-toned paper. Dimensions: Unframed: 34.5 × 27 cm Framed: 54 × 47 cm The composition depicts a lively view of the Kryukov Canal, a historic waterway located in the center of Saint Petersburg. The artist structures the scene around the perspective of the canal, whose granite embankments and balustrade naturally guide the eye toward the background. The treatment of the water, rendered through layers of pastels in shades of blue, green, and pink, captures the changing reflections of the surrounding architecture. The presence of a human figure in the foreground reinforces the scale and gives the scene a vibrant, everyday feel. Religious building depicted On the right side of the composition appears an identifiable religious building, characterized by a slender tower topped with gilded domes, an emblematic element of Russian Orthodox architecture. This building most likely corresponds to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Sailor, located in the immediate vicinity of the Kryukov Canal. Built in the 18th century, this Baroque cathedral is one of the district's major monuments and a frequent visual landmark in painted views of this area of the city. The artist's slightly off-center and deliberately simplified perspective confirms a faithful but non-descriptive pictorial interpretation, typical of work executed en plein air. Inscriptions and translation The work includes several handwritten inscriptions at the bottom, in Cyrillic and Latin alphabets: “Санкт-Петербург — Крюков канал” → Saint Petersburg — Kryukov Canal (precise indication of the place represented, in Russian) “Valentin” → Handwritten mention in Latin alphabet, probably a dedication or a first name of the recipient “Б. Блинов 94” → Signature of the artist in Cyrillic: B. Blinov, followed by the date 1994 These inscriptions unambiguously confirm the location, dating and authenticity of the work. Framing: The work is presented in a simple, classic, gilt-framed picture with a light mat, highlighting the paper's surface and the pastel's luminosity. Analysis and Scope of the Work: This view of the Kryukov Canal demonstrates a direct and sincere approach to the city, far removed from a mere tourist illustration. The pastel, used with mastery, allows Blinov to capture the unique atmosphere of Saint Petersburg: diffused light, monumental architecture, and discreet urban life. The work fits perfectly within the artist's output of the 1990s, a period during which he created several urban views of the city, often intended for private collectors. Conclusion: Saint Petersburg – Kryukov Canal (1994) is a work created on location by Valentin Blinov, offering a faithful yet sensitive vision of a historic district of the city. The topographical accuracy, the presence of an identifiable religious building and the handwritten inscriptions in Russian give this pastel a strong documentary and artistic value, while retaining a high decorative quality.