Nicolas 1- Model of Monument erected in Saint-Petersburg

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The Monument to Nicholas I stands tall on St Isaac's Square in Saint Petersburg, Russia, a bronze equestrian monument of Nicholas I of Russia. Unveiled on July 7th, 1859, this six-meter statue was an engineering marvel of its time. It marked the first European equestrian statue with only two support points - the rear hooves of the horse - breaking ground as the sole precedent being Andrew Jackson's 1852 equestrian statue in the United States. The Neo-Baroque monument to Nicholas I was designed by French-born architect Auguste de Montferrand in 1856. When planning Saint Isaac's Square, Montferrand aimed to create a unified architectural ensemble on the site, uniting buildings of different styles that already dominated Palace Square (1843) and Senate Square (1849). By tradition, he sought to construct a monument that would tie these structures together. Nicholas I is depicted as a prancing knight in his military uniform, thanks to Alexander II's personal request. Around the base are allegorical statues modeled after Nicholas I's daughters, personifying virtues. The statue faces Saint Isaac's Cathedral, with the horse's rear turned towards Mariinsky Palace, owned by Nicholas's daughter, Grand Duchess Maria Nikolayevna of Russia - a move that reportedly caused her considerable discomfort. The monument showcases Nicholas I as a powerful military figure, reflecting his strong absolutist stance as a Russian ruler. However, beneath this image lies a more nuanced portrait: Nicholas I was deeply devoted to his troops and closely involved in military affairs, from altering uniforms to designing fortresses. His despotic regime (1825-1855) saw the crushing of the liberal Decembrist revolt and the November Uprising in Poland. The monument also highlights Nicholas's social activities as emperor. For years, he served as chief of the nearby Konnogvardejsky regiment. The city's topography - including the Konnogvardejsky parkway, lane, and arena - is intertwined with the uniform of the Konnogvardejsky regiment in which Nicholas I was dressed.