Monument to Ivan the Terrible: description, history and interesting facts

Ivan the Terrible is a rather contradictory personality in the history of our state. On the one hand, it is a competent ruler, a visionary strategist, an intelligent politician and a talented publicist. On the other - a misogynist, a tyrant and a murderer. Until now, the personality of Ivan IV was imprinted only on the canvases and sculptures of outstanding artists. But a few years ago there was an idea to install monuments to Ivan the Terrible in Russia. What comes of it, we find out later.

Appearance of Ivan the Terrible

From written sources that have survived to this day, one can not judge the appearance of the first Russian Tsar. They only talk about common features - high growth, deep-set eyes and a stately figure. We all remember the decrepit old man from Vasnetsov's painting "Ivan the Terrible Kills His Son". But this is how he appeared to the artist at the end of his life, and with this real ruler this image has nothing in common.

The State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg houses the bronze sculpture of Ivan the Terrible, designed by the artist Mark Matveevich Antakolsky. It is made quite accurately by the descriptions that were known at the end of the 19th century. The monument to Ivan the Terrible must be very precise, otherwise how to convey the importance of this historical image to the descendants?

Only in the middle of the twentieth century, an exact replica of the ruler's face was uncovered by the scientist M. M. Gerasimov on the revealed remains.

The first idea for the erection of the monument

In the city of Lyubimov, Yaroslavl region, the idea arose to erect the first monument to Ivan the Terrible. His story is deplorable. In 2005, local authorities were ready to implement the project plan and approve the costs, as the archbishop of the Yaroslavl region intervened. He appealed to the prosecutor and the federal inspectorate to prevent the erection of the monument, since the image of Ivan the Terrible is associated with aggression and stiffness among residents and can affect the aggravation of the crime situation. Why the inhabitants of a small town, contemplating the first Russian tsar, will kill and rape more, it is not known. But the top management was frightened of such consequences, and the project was frozen.

Have you ever wondered why until now there was not a single monument to the great king? Why is the installation of the monument to Ivan the Terrible in Russia an idea that arose just a few years ago? And the discussions on this matter do not stop. One half of the community wants to see the face of the first king, and the other expresses his categorical "no".

Ivan the Terrible and the monument "Millennium of Russia"

One of the most frequently asked questions in Veliky Novgorod: why is there no Ivan the Terrible on the monument "Millennium of Russia"? Indeed, this sculpture is the embodiment of all the greatness that the mighty Russian empire has achieved. Here the figures of different epochs are depicted: great kings, scientists, enlighteners, writers, military figures and heroes. Does Ivan the Terrible really deserve to stand in line with them? Even more surprising is that the father of Ivan IV - Ivan III on the monument there. The answer to these questions lies in the events that occurred in 1570.

Novgorod and oprichnina

In 1569 a group of people from Novgorod, led by Gryaznoy and Skuratov, prepared a grandiose intrigue against the tsar, whose goal was to dislodge him from the throne. Time of the reign of Grozny was vague, everywhere - conspiracy and attempted murder. The king also learned about this. But he did not immediately execute the guilty, but went personally to Novgorod and arranged a "royal court", the victims of which were all the noble people of the city. The king publicly executed both instigators and all who were involved in this. And the methods of murder were very sadistic, women, children and the elderly suffered. The king's wrath fell not only on Veliky Novgorod, but also on the monasteries surrounding the city. Bacchanalia lasted a long six weeks. During this time the city became impoverished. He lost his former importance as the center of commercial and cultural life. After these tragic events, Novgorod will never again become such a Great and will never forgive his king for countless murders.

Can you justify the cruelty of the king?

Whatever good Grozny does, people will always remember only bad things about him. This is already the essence of the human personality. Why does no one remember that thanks to Grozny the state remained, for if it were not for his firm hand, would the country get bogged down in internecine wars or would it be plundered by strong neighbors? If it were not for his reforms and military victories, there would be no prosperity in the years to come. But all the few achievements have faded in the memory of those who were his contemporary, and those who covered historical events.

Let's remember when the king ruled. It was a dark Middle Ages, uprisings broke out all over the country, bringing ruin and poverty. Mother and first wife were poisoned, the sovereign himself survived several attempts of assassination. Ivan the Terrible needed to be combated by aggressive methods, because only at that time it was possible to subdue the people. At least 10,000 Russian citizens became victims of atrocity. But one can not judge this without knowing the real situation of that time. And was there a choice? Probably not, especially if you analyze the activities of some other kings of other countries that ruled around this time.

European experience

In Europe in the middle of the 16th century, times were no better. Only Bartholomew's night was remembered by descendants as an example of cruelty and causeless violence. The organizers of the terrible execution were the French King Charles IX and his mother Catherine de Medici. They ordered the infidels to burn and kill right in their homes, in the middle of the night. On this terrible day, 30 thousand people died, and this is several times more than was killed by Ivan the Terrible during the ten years of his reign.

The peasant uprising in Germany in 1524-1526 killed more than 100 thousand people. The Dutch Duke Alba ordered the same execution , and most of the survivors were simply expelled from the country. So the actions of Grozny against this background do not look so terrible.

Ivan the Terrible and the city of Orel

This year the city on the Oka celebrates its 450th anniversary. In 1566 on the orders of Ivan the Terrible there was laid the first stone, which marked the birth of a small settlement, from which a beautiful and clean city grew. In honor of this event, local activists offered to erect a monument to Ivan the Terrible in Orel. According to the authorities, money was donated to the monument by local entrepreneurs, and no money was spent from the budget.

The new monument was to be opened on August 3, 2016, during the celebration of the Eagle City Day. But the residents arranged a real picket, and the event was postponed to September 16. The project of the monument to Ivan the Terrible in Orel was supported by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill. The governor, having secured the support of such a high person, commissioned the work of six sculptors.

On the account of Ivan the Terrible - 155 cities founded by him. This is not only the Eagle, but also such large settlements as Ufa and Cheboksary. And remember this is necessary. This was openly stated by the patriarch, who had long planned to perpetuate the memory of the first king in bronze.

Discussions on the monument to Ivan the Terrible

Many residents seriously argue about why the Eagle monument to Ivan the Terrible. Against him, activists of the local theater (in the square near the palace of culture the figure of the tsar should rise), liberals from the local Yabloko party, as well as the US air force channel. Like-minded people united in groups, created communities in social networks, inciting people. The governor does his best to settle the matter, stressing that this way tribute is paid to Ivan the Terrible as a historical figure, the founder of the city, and not to the bloody rapist. Perhaps, this monument in Orel will be the first, but to wait that there will be a monument to Ivan the Terrible in Moscow, it is not necessary even more.

Monument in Vladimir

As reported by the authorities of the Vladimir region, on August 6, 2016, a stone was laid for the installation of another monument to Ivan the Terrible. He will be located in front of his residence in the Alexander Sloboda, that in the Vladimir region. The project of the three-meter monument is already being created by Vasily Selivanov and will be ready by November. Opening is planned to be held on the Day of National Unity.

Interesting Facts

Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda was the residence of Ivan the Terrible in the most troubled times. It was from here that he completed the unification of the lands and made his house something like the capital. For a long time he lived here with his family and subjects. A magnificent building was built under Ivan's father in the design of the best Russian and Italian masters who built the Moscow Kremlin.

All the diplomatic meetings with the ambassadors of Sweden, Denmark, Rzecz Pospolita and other European states took place in the Kremlin of Alexandrov. It was from here that the emperor moved to fight against the free Novgorodians and it was here, according to legend, the tragic death of the son of the first Russian Tsar. So there is hope that the monument to Ivan the Terrible will appear if not in Orel, then at least in Alexandrov.