A fine set of Patersen's iconic views of St Petersburg. A collection of some of the most celebrated 18th century views of Russia's Imperial city, in fine contemporary hand colouring. Examples of Patersen's etchings are of the utmost scarcity, especially in such fresh condition.

Born in Varberg in Sweden, Benjamin Patersson studied in Göteborg before becoming a journeyman in 1769. After a brief sojourn in Riga, Patersson's arrival in St. Petersburg was marked by the following advertisement in the Sankt Peterburgskie vedomosti: 'St. Petersburg has been visited by the artist Patersen, who executes portraits and history pictures in oil and pencil. He begs to inform all devotees of art that he is now living in Pogenpol's house at Blue Bridge No. 154' (22nd January 1787). Although the advertisement refers to history pictures and portraits, today Patersen is best remembered for his city views of St. Petersburg.

Patersen dedicated himself to portraying the buildings of his new hometown and was appointed as painter to the Imperial Court by Paul I. In total, his oeuvre includes over 100 pictures of views from St. Petersburg, mostly watercolours and etchings with hand colouring, many of which are held in the Hermitage Museum. They remain irreplaceable and treasured historical documents of the former capital.

The plates are titled:
- Palais Imperial du Côté de la Neva
- Une partie de la Forteresse du côté de la Neva
- Palais de Marbre du côté de la Neva
- Le Pont de Wasili-Ostrow avec les environs
- Vue de la 1re partie du Galeeren-Hof
- Vue de la 2de partie du Galeeren-Hof
- Vue de la 3me partie du Galeeren-Hof

A set of 7 etchings with hand colouring (45 x 57.5 cm), window mounted, a couple slightly browned, overall in fine condition; housed in a modern maroon cloth box with black morocco labels to upper cover and spine.