Monumental sculpture: definition. The most famous classical and modern monuments of monumental sculpture

Monumental sculpture is quite different from other similar types of art. This is due to the fact that it embodies not only the author's intention, but also a great historical moment or even a full-fledged period. As a rule, such monuments are established directly there where various actions took place, which, in fact, they are dedicated to.

During the viewing of monumental sculptures, the viewer must 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 stela, an obelisk or something else that was built with the sole purpose of honoring the memory of an individual who has done a lot of good for the city or country.

Secondly, it is a sculpture dedicated to historical events. Usually it is set at the end of wars. There are cases when monuments are erected in the jubilee years of this or that city.

In everyday life the monumental sculpture is any sculpture that has large dimensions. But this definition can not be called scientific, although it does take place.

In fact, a 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 scale and harmony with the architecture of the environment.

The mass audience is considered as the target audience. It can not be said that only sculptures with one figure can be monuments, there can be more of them. Sometimes full-fledged fighting moments are created with the participation of several personalities, guns and so on.

The History of Monumental Sculpture

In Russia, as well as throughout the world, for many centuries the art of sculpture was perfected. First, the material was wood, then stone. At the beginning of the tenth century, the first monumental work appeared in Kiev. This is the relief of the Virgin Hodegetria.

However, do not assume that the monumental and decorative sculpture actually originates in Kiev. The fact is that the Slavic masters were trained by Byzantine talented sculptors. And in Byzantium the type in question was already quite popular.

The first types of monumental sculpture were not dedicated to human history. They represented wars between gods, patrons of cities or clans, and so on. And only after several centuries there is a revolution in the world of this art. The first monuments appeared, with the help of which they planned to perpetuate the individual people who really existed and created useful things on the planet.

Technology of production of monumental sculpture

Before monumental sculpture will be installed in the space allocated for it, it is necessary to work much. There are several manufacturing techniques, however, each has common features. The process takes place in 7 stages:

1. Create a sketch on paper.
2. Creating a graphic sketch, which will depict the future sculpture from different sides of the review.
3. Create a small statue model of soft material. As a rule, clay is used for this. In the past, it was not possible to try to make a small copy, so all the sculptures were made "live".
4. Creation of a working model in which the author calculates all the proportions, down to small details.
5. Proscute the proportions in a single coordinate system. Often, sketches are performed again, but already taking into account the work done.
6. Getting started with the material. In centimeter, the sculptor builds his future creation.
7. Finishing movements are made, fine details are corrected, such as hairs, eyes, corners of lips and so on.

Thus, the creation of one small statue can take years or even decades. After all, you need to think through a lot of details in order to create a masterpiece.

Material of production

Monumental sculpture can be made of various materials. A true genius is able to use all that is at his fingertips. But most often the following raw materials are used:

• Natural stone is marble or granite. The first allows you to make softer lines and traits, but it weakly resists moisture. Therefore, for exhibiting statues on the street, granite is more often used. Products are scraped from large blocks.
• Artificial stone - composite. This material is poured into the mold. After the sculpture has dried, it becomes completely ready. By the form of the product is little different from marble or granite, but are much cheaper.
• Metal - bronze, brass or copper. Method of production is similar to the previous version. The hot metal is poured into the mold, then give it time to dry.
• Gypsum . This material is the easiest for sculptors. First, the powder is mixed with the water, then the resulting mixture is poured into the mold. The drying process takes place quickly, literally in half an hour.
• The tree . In this case, sculptures can be cut from a monolithic piece, or be created by separate parts.

The choice of material is focused only on the desire of the sculptor, only occasionally it is selected in accordance with the requirements of the customer of the product.

Types of monumental sculptures

Monumental sculpture is endless in its diversity. You can give many examples that will be associated with this art. However, there are types, according to which there is a classification of monumental models:

• Memorial. It is a sculpture by which the creator tries to perpetuate someone.
• Monument. It is a monument dedicated to historical events or figures.
• A statue is a monument dedicated to an individual.
• Stela is a vertical plate on which an inscription is engraved or an engraved pattern.
• Obelisk - a pillar consisting of 4 faces, which are pointed upward.
• Monumental and decorative sculpture. It performs two functions at once. First, perpetuates an event or person. And secondly, it is executed so that to approach under an environment, to be in harmony with it, that is for a decor.
• Triumphal columns, arches or gates. These are such structures that are performed in honor of defeating someone, getting rid of oppression and so on.

It is possible that in modern times there will be talented sculptors who will add additional species to the general classification. Therefore, the list can be considered complete only at the moment, it is impossible to deny its potential replenishment.

Examples

In each country, the sculpture is monumental. Examples can be given indefinitely. This is due to the fact that any state has its own history, its important moments, its great people. And to transfer knowledge to future generations, monuments and obelisks, statues and monuments, stelae and memorials are erected.

As a Russian example, you can consider the monument to Peter 1, located in St. Petersburg. The great sculptor Falcone worked on him for almost 15 years.

Also we need to pay attention to the Alexandrian column. It is dedicated to the victory over Napoleon, but Alexander I refused to erect it. However, the descendants of the emperor felt it was right to perpetuate this historic moment of historic importance for Russia.

From foreign monumental sculptures you can see 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 melted, this monument was considered a statue of a completely different person. So today you can look at it, after the restoration it looks like a new one.

Bronze Horseman

In order to fulfill 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, fulfilling orders in a conventional factory, still dreamed 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 worked for 12 years. But he could not perform the sculpture completely independently or simply did not want to. The head of the monument was occupied by his student, who came with him. A Russian sculptor made a dragon under his feet.

Since the project was quite large, the masters did not agree to casting. And there was no financial opportunity to appeal to foreigners. But then they turned to Khaylov, who agreed to teach Falcone, 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 anyone can get acquainted with the sculpture, it is in public access 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 ruin. But one still survives to this day. It is a statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome.

In general, there were many similar statues in the country. However, in the Middle Ages, they were all melted down into various useful bronzes. The equestrian image of Marcus Aurelius was preserved only thanks 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, because he was modest, and the thanksgiving inscription in honor of Alexander I did not suit him. Work on the obelisk stopped.

Later, when Carl Rossi started designing the General Staff, he adjusted the architecture to the Alexander Column. Therefore, in 1829, Nicholas I had no choice but to accept the draft. Unfortunately, he entrusted his development not 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 tallest triumphal column. Also its distinctive feature is that under it there is no foundation or pile reinforcement. It is held only by exact 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. After 7 years in the center of the facade of the building, a tower was built, the spire of which was adorned by a small boat.

The building of the Admiralty in St. Petersburg is one of the main buildings of the city. This is due to the fact that it intersects three large streets. The main facade along the length is 407 meters. Nearby there is a sculptural decoration, which includes several statues and columns.

Conclusion

One way or another, an important place in art is monumental sculpture. 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.