Architect Nikolay Alexandrovich Lvov: biography, creativity

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Nikolai Alexandrovich Lvov, whose biography and work are the subject of this review, is the largest figure in Russian culture of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Traditionally, he is considered an architect, however, in addition to construction, he made a significant contribution to the development of other branches of knowledge. He was a poet, playwright, engraver, well versed in geology, chemistry, ancient Russian literature and folklore. In a word, he was a representative of his time, when the ideas of enlightenment among the noble intelligentsia were widespread in Russia.

Era review

Lvov Nikolai was a bright personality of Catherine's reign. At that time, the socio-political thought of the country was dominated by the idea that enlightenment and education can significantly change the conditions for the country's development for the better. This is the time to search for new ideas and solutions in all areas of culture. Russia, having become one of the leading European states, actively mastered world achievements in art. In these decades, there were not so many scientists, but real researchers were, in fact, universal, i.e. well versed in all areas of knowledge at the same time. A vivid example of this is the personality and activities of Lomonosov. Such people largely set the tone for the culturaldevelopment. Their influence on socio-political thought was enormous. Nikolai Lvov belonged to such a galaxy.

Biography in Brief

The future famous architect and cultural figure was born in 1751 in the Tver province. He belonged to an impoverished noble family. He was educated in St. Petersburg, in the Izmailovsky regiment, where officers were trained. However, already at that time Lvov Nikolai showed interest in the humanities, as well as in construction. He even organized a circle of literature lovers in the regiment, which was quite typical for the time when nobles interested in one area or another united in circles in various directions. It is indicative that Nikolai Lvov did not receive a special education, however, when a competition was organized for the construction of the cathedral, it was his project that won. Catherine II herself approved it, because at that time she contributed to the spread of new trends in architecture.

The merits of the young and talented architect were highly appreciated: he became a member of the Russian Academy, and a little later became a member of the Academy of Arts. In addition, he worked at the College of Foreign Affairs, which allowed him to travel and get acquainted with the achievements of world culture. In the last years of his life, the architect was accused of embezzling public funds, and an investigation began against him. This undermined his he alth, and he died in 1803.

Features of creativity

Russian architecture of the second half of the 18th century beginninggradually move away from the baroque, moving on to the classical style. It was in this direction that Lvov worked. He was an adherent of the work of the Italian architect Palladio, who was the brightest representative of a new trend in art. He even translated his books into Russian, which indicated the transition to the classical style of building. Lvov's projects provided for simple, restrained lines of buildings. He abandoned the pomp of the previous style and turned to more austere compositions.

Provincial Buildings

The city of Torzhok is known for the fact that in it the architect created one of his most famous buildings - the gate church of the Borisoglebsky Monastery. Its design is simple and restrained. White color gives a special beauty. The architect also built temples in other cities. So, according to his project, the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine in the city of Valdai was built. In addition, Lvov erected secular buildings. He is famous for the fact that he designed a number of noble estates, the design of which showed his talent as a designer. It was here that he managed to prove himself not only as an architect, but was able to demonstrate his abilities in organizing a garden and park ensemble. So, he rebuilt his family estate Nikolskoye-Cherenchitsy.

Buildings in the capital

Architectural monuments of St. Petersburg include several works belonging to Lvov. These are the Nevsky Gates of the Peter and Paul Fortress, as well as the building of the capital's post office. At that timethe architect is actively working on the construction of private mansions. The largest and most famous figures of that time made him orders, which testified to the recognition that came to him at a very young age. He created the Church of the Holy Trinity. The initiative belonged to Prince Vyazemsky, and construction was completed in 1790. In addition, Nikolai Alexandrovich Lvov built a castle in Gatchina.

News

The architect made a great contribution to the development of earth construction. He even founded a school that specifically taught this type of building. In addition, Lvov was interested in the problems of ventilation and heating. For its time, his achievements were very progressive. The architect was also engaged in geology and found a number of deposits on the Valdai Upland. A wide range of interests and interest in everything new determined the author's innovative approach in construction. His designs differed from those of the Baroque and attracted with their simplicity, elegance and restraint of lines.

Other activities

Lviv became famous not only as a talented architect, but also as a scientist, writer and poet. He was fond of ancient Russian folklore, found and published an old chronicle, which in science has since been called his last name. Nikolai Aleksandrovich Lvov collected folk songs and published them in a separate edition, accompanied by musical accompaniment. He himself was the author of a number of literary works: he wrote poems (in the epic spirit), as well as librettos, operas, whichenjoyed wide popularity.

The architect was a talented artist, draftsman and engraver. He himself engraved his own sketches and sketches. We have already mentioned his passion for mineralogy.

Russian architecture was enriched by his architectural achievements. Thus, the activity of Lvov is a whole stage of development in the national culture, which is of great importance for understanding the characteristics of the era as a whole.

The Meaning of Creativity

Lvov's work should be considered in the context of his time. The fact is that in the second half of the 18th century, many educated nobles simultaneously devoted themselves to several speci alties and occupations at once. In principle, it was a kind of trend of the times. And in addition to Lomonosov, who was a very versatile personality, Lvov also occupies a prominent place in this series.

His work is a vivid example of the versatility of personality and broad outlook, which was characteristic of the intelligentsia of Catherine's time. An indicator of the recognition of the architect's merits is the fact that the city of Torzhok became the site of his monument.