One of the main attractions that Arkhangelsk can be proud of is the monument to Lomonosov. This monument has always interested tourists, so it was impossible not to tell about its history.
Arkhangelsk is a city of severe beauty of northern Pomerania and an old center of commercial relations with the powers of Europe. This is the land of brave sailors and the birthplace of the beacon of Russian science - Mikhail Vasilievich Lomonosov.
There are few people in the world who have been able to change their destiny, contrary to everything, to realize their dreams and bring enormous benefits to the Fatherland, having become famous for centuries. Among these few individuals is the colossus of science and art, the most educated person of his era - M.V. Lomonosov. The monument in Arkhangelsk to this outstanding person is worth our attention. Next, we will talk about this monument.
How a monument was erected to Lomonosov
Biography and scientific works of Mikhail Vasilievich are still being studied by outstanding scientists of our time. Lomonosov is, without exaggeration, the pride of the nation, one of the most revered idols of the people. Not surprisingly, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, a nationwide subscription was organized for the construction of a monument to an outstanding man.
The idea to perpetuate the great scientist in granite belongs to the bishop Neophytos of Arkhangelsk and Kholmogorsky. This noble cause was supported by the Governor-General of the city, Admiral Minitsky, sending Emperor Alexander I a request for the organization of an All-Russian subscription.
Money for the monument to M.V. Lomonosov in Arkhangelsk was donated by scientists of the Imperial Academy of Sciences, employees of Russian universities, senior military officials and representatives of the merchant estate, aristocrats and clergymen, peasants, tradesmen and nobles. The granddaughter of the great scientist, Sophia Raevskaya, also made a significant financial contribution. The largest contribution came from Emperor Nicholas I. And in 1832 the monument was opened.
Who is the author of the monument that adorned Arkhangelsk?
The monument to Lomonosov was created by the Russian sculptor Ivan Petrovich Martos. The idea of composition, according to him, he got from Mikhail Vasilyevich’s most famous eleventh ode - “Evening reflection on God's majesty”.
Unfortunately, the sculptor survived the discovery of his sculpture only for three years, having died in 1835.
Description
The bronze monument to M.V. Lomonosov in the city of Arkhangelsk is made in the style of classicism. Mikhail Vasilievich is depicted in Roman toga. Next to him is a kneeling winged genius who gives Lomonosov a lyre.
Both figures are located on a convex sphere, which symbolizes not just a fragment of the globe, but its northern part. Lira, which a genius extends to her learned husband, has a monogram consisting of the letters "E" and "P". This is the monogram of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, who patronized the scientist. In her face he found support in many of his research.
The hemisphere on which the sculptural composition is located is located on a pedestal having a cylindrical shape. It is made of polished pink granite. On the front side it says "Lomonosov 1829." On the other - "Moved 1867 - and 1930." On the hemisphere in front is written “Kholmogory”, that is, the scientist’s birthplace is indicated.
On the reverse side is the name of the author of the sculptural composition. The cylindrical pedestal itself stands on a pedestal folded from granite blocks, which has two steps.
When the monument to Lomonosov (Arkhangelsk) was ready, the governor of Arkhangelsk took up his delivery to the scientist’s homeland, since further storage of the sculpture in St. Petersburg cost a lot of money. Thanks to his efforts, the monument, divided into four parts, was delivered to the city by ship.
Seat selection
The place where the monument to M.V. Lomonosov will be erected in Arkhangelsk was chosen by Emperor Nikolai I. Having carefully examined the map of the city, the king chose a place near the cathedral. A foundation pit was dug there specially for the monument, powerful wooden piles were hammered, then a platform for a pedestal was rammed with brick, stone and other durable materials.
The monument was ready to be opened in 1831, but an outbreak of cholera epidemic thwarted these plans. To collect in a situation requiring strict quarantine measures together a huge number of people was risky and unreasonable. Therefore, the opening of the sculptural composition was postponed until more favorable times.
Celebrations on the occasion of the opening of the monument took place the following year and were timed to the birthday of Emperor Nicholas I.
Monument transfer
Over time, it turned out that the place for the sculpture was chosen very poorly, since it causes the pedestal to subside by more than one and a half meters. Therefore, in 1867 it was moved.
During the years of Soviet power, in 1930, the monument was removed from this place by installing the Obelisk of the North on it. But, in order not to leave without the described monument Arkhangelsk, the monument to Lomonosov was moved and installed not far from the Forestry Institute.
During the Second World War, a high-explosive bomb hit the university building, which also caused damage to a nearby monument. But the cracks discovered many years later were repaired by cold welding. In order to create better conditions for preserving the monument, five years ago it was transferred to the Forestry College named after Emperor Peter I.
Conclusion
Now you know what Arkhangelsk is rightly proud of. The monument to Lomonosov was erected here for a long time. He survived the revolution and war. But to this day, tourists visit this attraction.