The Tsaritsyno Grand Palace is one of the main parts of the ensemble, created in the 18th century. Unfortunately, this building was never used for its intended purpose, but its architectural advantages are undeniable, which allows us to include the building in the list of the most significant monuments of the era, especially since it is made in two different styles. The construction was carried out for a rather long time: from 1785 to 1796.
History of creation
The initial design of the building belonged to V. Bazhenov, however, the empress, who inspected the construction, was unhappy, and therefore the author was removed from the leadership. Instead, his comrade and assistant M. Kazakov was appointed, who completed the construction. The Tsaritsyno Grand Palace was made in the style of pseudo-Gothic, but with obvious features of classicism, which gained popularity by the end of the century and eventually became the standard for buildings.
The original version of the building involved the construction of a small-sized structure, but the new author, following the tastes of Catherine II, changed the proportions. The construction has become more voluminous, but most importantly, it has gained some heaviness in the design.
In 1790, construction was suspended due to financial difficulties due to the Russo-Turkish war. Three years later, the process resumed. However, now the Tsaritsynsky Grand Palace has undergone new changes: its proportions have been reduced, which in principle disrupted the architect’s plan. But soon the empress died, and the new ruler Paul I ordered the completion of work. Thus, the structure was never used for its intended purpose.
Architecture
The construction is interesting in that it combines various styles - pseudo-Gothic and classicism. From this point of view, the building can conditionally be called belonging to the transition period in the history of architectural construction.
The Tsaritsyno Grand Palace consists of two wings, inside of which there are two chambers: for the Empress and her son. The middle part from the outside looks especially majestic and monumental, but the plan shows that this part, in fact, represents a narrow transition between the two main chambers. Two towers made in the style of pseudo-Gothic give a special elegance to the structure. Lancet arches also belong to the latter direction , although the shape of the windows is actually rectangular.
Additional items
Matvey Kazakov gave the building rigor and harmony of forms. The building has three facades, half columns and columns that adorn the front door. Some parts make the building heavier: powerful buildings, arcade, arches. In general, the appearance is intended to demonstrate the imperial power of power, while the initial draft assumed greater chamberness and compactness of forms.
It should also be mentioned that initially Matvey Kazakov planned to build three floors in the palace plus a separate basement, but after a few years, at the request of the empress, he was forced to reduce its height due to one floor. As a result, the structure became squat and somewhat vague in appearance.
The reaction of contemporaries
So, the author of the Grand Tsaritsyno Palace during the construction was forced to make many changes, which led to the lack of unity and integrity in the appearance of the building. In 1796, a black roof was installed on top of it, which was criticized by the then Russian society. Many artists noted that it makes a rather gloomy impression, despite the presence of jewelry in the building.
In the second half of the 19th century, many began to celebrate the undoubted architectural merits of the building: they said that its appearance is distinguished by festivity, and therefore many offered to remove the black roof.
Reconstruction
One of the largest palace and park ensembles of the capital is a complex in Tsaritsyno. The Grand Palace, the description of which is the subject of this review, was rebuilt and reconstructed in 2005-2006, which caused criticism by many experts. First of all, the builders replaced the black roof with a more beautiful and elegant roof with decorations, which, in fact, was a violation of the architect's plan. Secondly, they finished the interior, which in the original version was never completed. But the floors were covered with expensive material from valuable wood species. In addition, the palace has two halls - "Catherine" and "Tauride", in which exhibitions are held. The interiors were decorated with sculpture and hung crystal chandeliers. In addition, there is a famous monument to the Empress by A. Opekushin.
So, at present, the building houses a whole museum complex, which is dedicated to the reign of Catherine II. Despite the fact that the palace was never used for its intended purpose, it nevertheless occupies an important place in the history of Russian architecture, as it marked the transition from Gothic and traditional Moscow Baroque to classicism.