Avraam Ivanovich Melnikov (1784–1854): A Late Neoclassical Visionary Avraam Ivanovich Melnikov (Авраам Иванович Мельников; 1784—1854) stands as a singular figure in Russian architectural history, representing the final gasp of the Empire style and embodying a distinctive aesthetic that contrasted sharply with its successors. Born in Saint Petersburg in 1784, Melnikov’s life was marked by intellectual curiosity and artistic ambition, culminating in a career dedicated to crafting monumental structures that reflected both classical ideals and the burgeoning spirit of Russia’s twilight years.…