A collectible Soviet postcard from 1981, capturing a detail of the historic building facade in Odesa featuring the sculpture of the goddess Ceres.
What is shown on the postcard
The image shows a close-up of a white classical sculpture of a woman in Roman attire (toga) placed inside a deep, arched niche with an olive-green background. The figure represents the ancient Roman goddess Ceres, holding a sickle in her right hand and cradling a sheaf of wheat in the folds of her dress with her left hand. The niche is framed by a strict classical portal with pilasters.
Historical note
The Old Exchange building (now Duma Square, 1) was founded in 1829 according to the design of architect Franz Boffo and completed in 1837. The two sculptures in the niches of the main facade — Mercury (patron of trade) and Ceres (patron of agriculture) — symbolize the primary sources of Odesa’s wealth in the 19th century. The statues were created by the prominent sculptor Luigi Iorini.
Present day
Today, the historic Old Exchange building houses the Odesa City Council. The architectural appearance of the facade, including the sculptures of Ceres and Mercury in the niches, is fully preserved and restored. This architectural monument of national significance is one of the key landmarks of Primorsky Boulevard.
Location (map)
Address: Duma Square, 1, Odesa, Ukraine
Coordinates: 46.485640, 30.744160
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Duma Square, 1 (Old Exchange Building).
Questions and answers
- Which sculpture is shown on the postcard? The postcard depicts the sculpture of Ceres, the ancient Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility.
- Where is this sculpture located in Odesa? The sculpture is installed in a niche on the facade of the Old Exchange building (now Odesa City Council) at Duma Square, 1.
- Who is the author of this sculpture? The sculpture of Ceres was created by Luigi Iorini for the exchange building designed by architect Franz Boffo.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Odesa from 1981.
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