Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich is a commander who went down in history as a military leader who defeated Napoleon's army, which before that managed to conquer almost all of Europe. For more than 50 years, he faithfully served his Motherland, fighting for its interests and protecting against invaders of all stripes.
Grateful descendants appreciated the feats and military merits of Field Marshal. In particular, in 1837 a monument was erected to Kutuzov at the Kazan Cathedral. Later, the monuments were installed in Moscow and in Smolensk.
Background to the creation of the St. Petersburg monument to Kutuzov
The great commander completed his life in 1813. Death overtook him in the small Prussian town of Bunzlau a few days after the troops he commanded reached Elba. The embalmed body of the military leader was delivered to St. Petersburg and buried on June 13 in the Kazan Cathedral.
After 5 years, another hero of World War II died - M. Barclay de Tolly. Soon after, it was decided to erect monuments to these two generals in front of the Kazan Cathedral. Several times a competition was announced for projects for these monuments, but the works presented were rejected, since none of the famous sculptors of that time could fulfill the main condition - to create figures in uniforms in which people were used to seeing their heroes. Today it is difficult to understand, but the sculptors of that time were used to creating compositions imitating classical art, when men and women were portrayed in Roman toga and tunics.
Monument to Kutuzov at the Kazan Cathedral: how was created
The only one who managed to present a realistic project was the former serf B.I. Oryol. The final versions of the sketches were approved in 1830, and in 1835 they cast a figure of Kutuzov, 7, 371 kilograms of copper was spent on it. It took another couple of years to build the pedestal, the project of which was developed by architect V. Stasov.
Appearance
The monument to Kutuzov was unveiled in December 1837. This event was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the expulsion of Napoleon from Russia, and was accompanied by a salute and a grand military parade.
To create a realistic image of M. Kutuzov, a ceremonial portrait of the great commander of the work of D. Dow was used. However, the sculptor somewhat idealized his figure, giving it great energy. At the same time, he focused on the posture of the commander, which was to express his belligerent mood and desire for victory.
In his right hand M. Kutuzov squeezes his sword, and in his left - a field marshal’s wand. At the feet of the figure lies an unfolded French banner with a shaft broken off. Its top in the form of a Napoleonic eagle is pressed to the ground. All this symbolizes the defeat of the French military power in front of the genius of the Russian military commander.
The figure of the commander, as required by the conditions of the competition, is dressed in a uniform uniform, which is decorated with orders. The sculptor with special care depicted general epaulettes, a lanyard on a sword and sewing on cuffs and a collar. Nevertheless, he could not completely depart from the canons adopted at that time, and Kutuzov’s cloak is very reminiscent of Roman toga. According to experts, this work was the first step in the transition from classicism to realism in Russian art.
Monument to Kutuzov in Smolensk
The merits of the great commander were not forgotten in the Soviet period. In particular, in 1954 a monument to Kutuzov was erected in Smolensk by sculptor G. Motovilov and architect L. Polyakov. The opening of the monument took place in 1954, the territory near the Assumption Cathedral was chosen as the place for its installation. The monument became an addition to a number of other memorial constructions in Smolensk dedicated to the Patriotic War of 1812.
Description
The monument to Kutuzov in Smolensk is cast from bronze. He is a figure of a full-length commander on a strict pedestal of pink granite. Field Marshal is depicted with his head uncovered and in a wig. He has a large forehead, a nose with a hump, an invisible right eye, deep folds in his mouth, plentiful wrinkles and a double chin. Kutuzov is dressed in a military uniform and his chest is decorated with military awards. At the same time, the commander’s right hand squeezes the handle of a naked sword lowered to the ground, and with his left hand he holds a cloak.
Podolsky monument
Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich became famous in many battles and operations. In particular, everyone knows his Tarutinsky maneuver, which was carried out on Podolsk land. According to historical documents, it was not pre-planned, and the decision was made intuitively, based on the situation. Be that as it may, the maneuver achieved its goal and helped weaken Napoleon's army.
In the 20th century, a microdistrict was built at the place where the army stopped under the leadership of Kutuzov. It was named after the famous commander. In 1994, on the initiative of local authorities, work began, as a result of which a stele appeared with a bas-relief of Field Marshal. In addition, in 2012, a large monument to Kutuzov was also erected.
In Podolsk, more precisely, on the territory of the district of the same name, you can see it if you go to the central square of the settlement of Krasnopakhorskoye. The choice of location is not accidental, since it was there after the battle of Borodino that the headquarters of the commander was located. The author of the monument is sculptor Alexander Rozhnikov. He portrayed Mikhail Illarionovich in a greatcoat thrown over his shoulders, boldly striding towards the trials.
