The artwork titled “Peter and Paul’s Fortress on the Neva River, Leningrad” was created by Henri Cartier-Bresson in 1973. This piece belongs to the genre of photography and captures a moment of everyday life by the imposing walls of a historic fortress.
The photograph is a black-and-white image showcasing the massive, textured stone wall of the Peter and Paul Fortress, a historically significant structure located on the Neva River in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). A naked man stands directly against the wall, possibly preparing to swim in the river or seeking warmth against the stone. His posture and presence contrast starkly with the immense and rigid structure of the wall. In the distant background, a few clothed individuals walk along the embankment, heading towards the bridge that spans the Neva River, oblivious to the man by the wall. The cobblestone path and the calm, overcast sky create a serene, yet somewhat surreal atmosphere, further emphasizing the juxtaposition of human vulnerability and architectural solidity.
