In 1881, the work of Nikolai Leskov, “The Tale of the Tula Oblique Lefty and the Steel Flea (The Worker's Legend)” was published. This is a story about how a simple worker from the city of gunsmiths forged a miniature flea figurine made in England and proved the art of Russian masters. A striking fact: the monument to Levsha in Tula (and this city is the birthplace of the master in the story) was erected more than 100 years after the publication of the legendary work.
History of the monument
The city of Tula from the beginning of the XVIII century is a large industrial center. Here today, an arms factory operates, opened by decree of Peter the Great, as well as large steel and machine-building enterprises. Many residents of the city work at these facilities, and for them Levsha Leskova is a real national hero. The question of creating a monument to the most Tula literary hero was actively discussed in the 80s. After the competition of sculpture sketches, the best option was chosen. And already in 1989, Lefty was cast in bronze at the Tula Mashzavod. The author of the selected project is a talented sculptor Bronislav Krivokhin. Initially, the monument was erected on the territory of the plant, and it was inaccessible for inspection by tourists and residents. After almost twenty years, in May 2009, the administration of the enterprise donated the sculpture to the city and moved it to the city street.
Monument to the Lefthander in Tula: description and photo
Today, a monument to Lefthander can be seen by everyone. It is located near the territory of Tulamashzavod, 200 meters from the main building (exact address: Mosin St., 2. It is almost impossible to miss the monument, the figure of the literary character is mounted on an impressive pedestal, faced with red granite. The stone base has the shape of a hexagon, on each face of which are carved quotes from literary works. The lefty is depicted to his full height, in one hand he holds a hammer, and in the second his main work is a savvy flea. The hero of Leskov is dressed in simple work clothes and trad A protective apron, its hair is taped from the forehead and the figure exudes calm, self-confidence and pride.
Portrait resemblance or a living legend?
The literary Lefty had a very real prototype that inspired the writer to create a story - the real Tula master Alexei Surnin. It is not known what this man looked like, Leskov describes his hero as "oblique" and the owner of a birthmark on his face. The Monument to the Lefthander in Tula is a collective image of a master gunsmith. The bronze figure is quite courageous, with developed muscles. Tula Lefty is stocky, but at the same time looks quite harmonious and impressive.