Modern Kursk is a beautiful and comfortable city. Every year, new interesting sculptures, fountains and art objects appear on its streets. One of Kursk’s most creative decorations is the Kursk Antonovka monument. What is the history of this facility? Why is an apple considered to be a symbol of the city?
Kursk and apples: historical myths and real facts
For the first century, Antonovka apples have been grown in the vicinity of Kursk. If you believe the legends, these fruits from the Kursk province were delivered to the royal table under Catherine II. In the USSR in the Kursk region there were many fruit-nursing state farms. Antonovka vulgaris is a winter variety of apples that has a lot of advantages. The fruits have remarkable fresh taste, suitable for the preservation and preparation of desserts. Apples of this variety are quite large, can be stored for a long time. The monument “Kursk Antonovka” is not just a pretty art object that blends well with the surrounding urban environment. This is a symbol of Kursk, its pride, as well as a call to residents of the city not to forget about ancient crafts and customs.
The history of the creation of an unusual monument to the Kursk apple
The project of the monument, original and symbolic for the city, was created in 2004 by the sculptor Klykov Vyacheslav Mikhailovich. This is a distinguished cultural figure, laureate of the 1982 USSR State Prize. Among the works of this recognized master are sculptures by Marshal Zhukov, Pushkin, Andrei Rublev and other prominent figures. Antonovka in Kursk became one of the last works of this talented sculptor. Vyacheslav Mikhailovich decided to execute his apple in perfect proportions and on an enlarged scale. The finished sculpture was purchased from its creator by Kurskprombank Corporation. After coordination with the city administration, the monument “Kursk Antonovka” was erected in the very center of the city. The grand opening of the new art object was timed to the celebration of Apple Savior (the religious holiday of the Transfiguration of the Lord). On August 19, 2008, residents and visitors of the city were finally able to admire the original sculpture. The celebration of Apple Savior was held with traditional festivities, performances by folk groups and pleasant surprises for guests. The opening of this art object served as the beginning of a new urban tradition. Now, residents and guests of Kursk annually celebrate the most apple festival near the thematic sculpture. The monument "Kursk Antonovka" is often called the symbol of the city award "Man of the Year". This award is presented in a festive atmosphere to outstanding figures of the city. The people have long been nicknamed the "golden apple", since it is in the form of this fruit that the gilded insignia are made.
Monument "Kursk Antonovka": photo and description
The monument to the apple is an oblong-shaped fruit with a peduncle and a leaf. The sculptor performed it using the punch technique. To create the sculpture, gilded sheets of copper were used. Inside the royal fruit is hollow. What is noteworthy, even with such a design, an apple weighs about 150 kg. Its dimensions are also striking: the height of the sculpture is 2 meters, and the diameter is 1.5 meters. An art object looks especially impressive in sunny weather. The shiny surface of the giant fruit reflects light, so you can watch how the apple literally glows from the inside. According to many residents of Kursk, the apple looks so appetizing that you literally want to eat it. If you come to Kursk, the monument to Kursk Antonovka should definitely be visited. With a big apple you get very bright and original photos!
