The monumental sculpture is quite different from other similar types of art. This is due to the fact that it embodies not only the intention of the author, but also a great historical moment or even a full period. As a rule, such monuments are erected directly where various actions took place, to which, in fact, they are dedicated.
When viewing monumental sculptures, the viewer needs to make a detour. The fact is that, unlike paintings, statues and monuments look more realistic. Accordingly, you need to get acquainted with this art from all points of view.
Definition
In modern times, there are several definitions of monumental sculpture. Firstly, it is a monument, a stele, an obelisk or something else that was built with one purpose - to honor the memory of an individual who has done a lot of good for a city or country.
Secondly, it is a sculpture dedicated to historical events. It is usually installed at the end of wars. There are cases when monuments are erected in the anniversary years of a city.
In everyday life, a monumental sculpture is any statue that has large dimensions. But this definition cannot be called scientific, although it does occur.
In fact, monumental sculpture is a work of art that is dedicated to historical events. It can also be erected in honor of great personalities. Its characteristic features are large size and harmony with the architecture of the environment.
A mass audience is considered as a target audience. It cannot be said that only sculptures with one figure can be monuments; there can be more of them. Sometimes full-fledged combat moments are erected with the participation of several personalities, guns, and so on.
The history of monumental sculpture
In Russia, as well as throughout the world, over the course of many centuries, the art of sculpture has been perfected. First, wood was used as material, then stone. At the beginning of the 10th century, the first work of a monumental nature appears in Kiev. This is the relief of Our Lady of Hodegetria.
However, one should not assume that the monumental and decorative sculpture actually originates in Kiev. The fact is that Slavic masters studied with talented Byzantine sculptors. And in Byzantium, the type in question was already quite popular.
The first types of monumental sculpture were not devoted to human history at all. They personified wars between gods, patrons of cities or clans, and so on. And only after several centuries does a revolution take place in the world of this art. The first monuments appear, with the help of which they planned to perpetuate individual people who actually existed and were doing useful things on the planet.
Monumental sculpture production technology
Before the monumental sculpture will be installed in the space reserved for it, there is a lot of work to be done. There are several manufacturing techniques, however, each of them has common features. The process takes place in 7 stages:
- Create a sketch on paper.
- Creation of a graphic sketch on which the future sculpture will be depicted from different sides of the review.
- Creating a small model of the statue from soft material. As a rule, plasticine is used for this. In the past, it was not possible to try to make a small copy, so all the sculptures were made "profitable."
- Creating a working model in which the author calculates all the proportions, down to the smallest detail.
- Miscalculation of proportions in a single coordinate system. Sketches are often performed again, but already taking into account the work done.
- Getting started with the material. By centimeter, the sculptor erects his future creation.
- Final movements are made, small details are corrected, such as hairs, eyes, corners of the lips and so on.
Thus, the creation of one small statue can take years or even decades. After all, it is necessary to think over many details in order to create a masterpiece.
Production material
The monumental sculpture can be made of various materials. A true genius is able to use everything that is at hand. But most often the following raw materials are used:
- Natural stone - marble or granite. The first allows you to make softer lines and features, but it weakly resists moisture. Therefore, granite is often used for exhibiting statues on the street. Products are extruded from large blocks.
- Artificial stone is a composite. This material is poured into the mold. After the sculpture dries, it becomes fully finished. In appearance, the products differ little from marble or granite, but they are much cheaper.
- Metal - bronze, brass or copper. The production method is similar to the previous embodiment. The red-hot metal is poured into the mold, then give it time to dry.
- Gypsum This material is the easiest for sculptors. First, powder is mixed with water, then the resulting mixture is poured into a mold. The drying process is fast, in just half an hour.
- A tree . In this case, sculptures can be carved from a monolithic piece, or created in separate parts.
The choice of material is focused only on the desire of the sculptor, only occasionally he is selected in accordance with the requirements of the customer of the product.
Types of monumental sculptures
The monumental sculpture is endless in its diversity. You can give many examples that will be associated with this art. However, there are species by which the classification of monumental models occurs:
- Memorial. This is a sculpture with which the creator is trying to perpetuate someone.
- Monument. This is a monument that is dedicated to historical events or figures.
- The statue is a monument dedicated to an individual.
- Stele - a vertical plate on which an inscription is carved or engraved.
- The obelisk is a pillar consisting of 4 faces that are pointed up.
- Monumental and decorative sculpture. It performs two functions at once. First, perpetuates an event or person. And secondly, it is performed in such a way as to fit into the environment, in harmony with it, that is, for decor.
- Triumphal columns, arches or gates. These are such constructions that are carried out in honor of victory over someone, deliverance from oppression, and so on.
It is possible that in the present there will appear talented sculptors who will add additional views to the general classification. Therefore, the list can be considered complete only at the moment, it is impossible to deny its potential completion.
Examples
Monumental sculpture is quite widespread in every country. Examples can be infinitely long. This is due to the fact that any state has its own history, its important points, its great people. And in order to transmit knowledge to future generations, monuments and obelisks, statues and monuments, steles and memorials are erected.
As Russian examples, one can consider the monument to Peter 1, located in St. Petersburg. The great sculptor Falcone worked on it for almost 15 years.
It is also necessary to pay attention to the
Alexandrian column. It is dedicated to the victory over Napoleon, but Alexander I refused to build it. However, the descendants of the emperor considered it nevertheless correct to perpetuate this important historical moment for Russia.
From foreign monumental sculptures, one can consider the statue of Marcus Aurelius, located in Rome. Its safety to this day should be considered a great success. When all the statues of Mark were re-melted, this monument was considered a statue of a completely different person. Therefore, today you can look at it, after restoration it looks like new.
Bronze Horseman
In order to complete the monument to Peter 1, Falcone was invited to Russia on the orders of Empress Catherine II. The sculptor at that time was already old enough (50 years) for large-scale work, in France it was not for him. He himself, while fulfilling orders at a regular plant, was still dreaming of a major project. And when the invitation came, he did not even need to think. He came to Russia as soon as he could.
Falcone has been working for 12 years. But he could not complete the sculpture completely on his own or simply did not want to. The head of the monument was taken up by his student, who came with him. A snake under the feet of a horse was made by a Russian sculptor.
Since the project was quite large, the craftsmen did not agree to the casting. And there was no financial opportunity to contact foreigners. But then they turned to Khaylov, who agreed to teach Falconet, to help him with the selection of samples and proportions.
It should be noted that the sculptor received a relatively small fee, but with the help of the Bronze Horseman he managed to perpetuate not only the Russian emperor, but himself. Today, everyone can get acquainted with the sculpture, it is publicly available in St. Petersburg.
Statue of Marcus Aurelius
There are such sculptures, which are already many centuries old. Some of them are known only by writing or ruins. But one still survived to the present day. This is a statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome.
In general, there were many similar statues in the country. However, in the Middle Ages, all of them were remelted into various useful products from bronze. The equestrian image of Marcus Aurelius was saved only due to an error. The fact is that she was confused with the statue of Emperor Constantine the Great.
In the Renaissance, the monument served as a model. Many sculptors, including the talented and even genius Donatello, turned to him, guided him.
Alexander Column
The Alexander Column appeared in the project immediately after the victory over Napoleon. However, the emperor did not support the idea, since he was modest, and a thank-you note in honor of Alexander I did not suit him. Work on the obelisk ceased.
Later, when Carl Rossi began designing the General Staff Building, he adjusted the architecture to fit the Alexander Column. Therefore, in 1829, Nicholas I had no choice but to accept the project. Unfortunately, he did not entrust his development to Rossi, but to Montferrand.
The Alexander Column was made of red granite. Its top is decorated with an angel. It represents the world's highest triumphal column. Also its distinguishing feature is that under it there is no foundation or pile strengthening. It holds only due to accurate calculation.
Admiralty Building
The building of the Admiralty in St. Petersburg was carried out according to the drawings of Peter I. Its construction began in 1704. 7 years later, in the center of the facade of the building, a tower was completed, the spire of which was decorated with a small boat.
The admiralty building in St. Petersburg is one of the main structures of the city. This is due to the fact that three large streets intersect with it. The main facade is 407 meters in length. Nearby there is a sculptural decoration, which includes several statues and columns.
Conclusion
One way or another, monumental sculpture occupies an important place in art. Photos of various triumphal statues, statues or monuments adorn the pages of many historical books. Some sculptures are kept in private collections, but even from time to time they are shown at exhibitions. However, for the most part, all the monuments are located on the streets of cities, and everyone can get acquainted with them on a free basis.