Russian architect A. D. Zakharov: biography and works

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

Andreyan Dmitrievich Zakharov, who devoted years of his life to shaping the image of St. Petersburg, is known throughout the world as the author of the Admir alty building. Its importance for Russian architecture can hardly be overestimated, it determined the direction of development of domestic architecture for a long period.

Childhood

A. D. Zakharov, an architect, was born on August 8, 1761 in St. Petersburg in the family of an admir alty official, chief officer. His father, Dmitry Ivanovich Zakharov, received a very modest salary, but was able to raise two sons who were the pride of the Fatherland. The eldest son, Yakov Dmitrievich Zakharov, became an academician, professor of chemistry and mechanics. The youngest - Andreyan Dmitrievich Zakharov - became an outstanding architect. From an early age, the father brought up industriousness and curiosity in his sons. He carefully looked at the abilities of children and was able to see their talents. Andreyan was sent to a school at the Academy of Arts at the age of 6. In the class, he very soon becomes one of the best students. Boy wins his first academic achievement award two years laterbook.

Finding a calling

After graduating from college, A. D. Zakharov enters the architectural class of the Academy of Arts. The young man's abilities help him quickly achieve success in learning, teachers noted his spatial vision. He studied with outstanding masters: A. F. Kokorinova, Yu. M. Felten, I. E. Starov. Andrey Dmitrievich Zakharov achieves excellent results in the architectural craft and in 1782 he brilliantly graduated from the Academy. It is produced "in the 14th class of artists" and awarded a medal.

Brilliant student

During the years of study, Andrey Zakharov collected a complete set of medals from the Academy. One of the debut works of the future architect - the project "Country House" - receives a small silver medal of the Academy. This is the highest award for undergraduate students. In 1780, he was already awarded a large silver medal, and upon completion of his studies, a gold medal for the project "Foxal" ("House of Pleasure") and a trip to Paris "to gain further success in architecture." At this time, A. D. Zakharov was fascinated by the ideas of classicism, striving to embody new ideals in the material.

In 1782, Andreyan, together with three fellow students, came to Paris. Here they begin attending a life drawing class. Zakharov studies with the leading French architect J. F. Chalgrin, and is also influenced by the most progressive architect of Paris, C. Ledoux, whose powerful monumental and ideal in simplicity projects fascinated a student from Russia. Schalgren, author of the famousArc de Triomphe in Paris, was the brightest representative of French classicism, an innovator and an advanced architect, his ideas organically laid down on the ground prepared at the Academy for the views of A. Zakharov. At this time, its aesthetic concept is being formed and the author's method is maturing, which has yet to be implemented in structures.

First steps in the profession

In 1786 AD Zakharov returned to Russia, full of plans and hopes for the future. He is entrusted with showing his skills in the project of finishing the building of the Academy of Arts, for several years he has to lead the repair, completion and alteration of the building, this uncreative and burdensome work greatly tired the architect. Only in 1790 was he able to transfer the affairs of the improvement of the Academy to another architect. Zakharov carries out small orders, for example, the project of the school in the village of Lyubuchi. The first notable work of the architect appears in 1791, this is a solemn decoration on the occasion of the conclusion of peace with Turkey. In this project, Zakharov proved himself not only as a highly qualified specialist, but also as a patriot. In his work, he embodied the idea of the greatness of Russia and his pride in the feat of Suvorov in the capture of Ishmael.

Pedagogical activity

Andreyan Dmitrievich Zakharov, whose biography is inextricably linked with St. Petersburg, immediately upon returning to his homeland, he comes to his native Academy in search of work. In 1787 he was enrolled as an adjunct professor, in 1792 he defended the project and becameAcademy professor. Zakharov did not leave his pedagogical activity until the end of his life. He turned out to be a talented teacher, over the years of work he was able to make a good career, as well as produce many worthy students. In particular, A. N. Voronikhin, his student was the outstanding Russian architect A. I. Melnikov.

Gatchina Architect

In 1799, Andrey Dmitrievich Zakharov, whose work and projects were noticed by the highest leadership of the country. Pavel the First appoints him the chief architect of Gatchina, while retaining the position of professor at the Academy. Here he creates projects for several buildings and structures. At first he began to work on the project of the monastery, but the death of Paul did not allow this project to be realized. In it, Zakharov wanted to embody the Novgorod-Pskov traditions of temple architecture. Under his leadership, a Lutheran church is being built in Gatchina, which has not survived to this day. He also designs two bridges: Gorbaty and Lviny, manages to finish two pavilions: "Aviary" and "Farm". The first one was built, but the second one was stopped by Paul's death.

At the same time, Zakharov takes part in the creation of the scientific work "Russian Architecture", which gives him the opportunity to consider in detail the features of national traditions and travel around the country. During this time, he deeply penetrated the foundations of Russian architecture, realized the specifics and power of the Russian landscape and was ready to create large projects.

Workover the face of Vasilyevsky Island

A. D. Zakharov developed in his skill, he harmoniously combined a talented architect and an excellent practical builder. He is invited as an expert in all major projects carried out in St. Petersburg. So he makes a significant contribution to the creation of the Exchange project. In 1804, the architect creates a project for the development of the embankment of Vasilyevsky Island with the restructuring of the building of the Academy of Arts. In it, the architect wanted to embody the best traditions of French architecture with arches and colonnades. The project was highly appreciated by experts and colleagues, but the plan could not be implemented, documents and diagrams were not preserved. At the same time, Andrey Dmitrievich was working on a development plan for the Nizhny Novgorod Fair, creating a project for a foundry workshop for the Academy of Arts.

The business of life is the Admir alty

A. D. Zakharov, a Russian architect who went down in history as the creator of one of the most important buildings in St. Petersburg - the Admir alty. In 1805, he was appointed chief architect of the admir alty department, which at that time was huge and required many buildings. Zakharov created many projects, not all of them were implemented, some structures were not preserved, but the scale of the work was impressive. He designed for many cities in Russia: Kronstadt, St. Petersburg, Kherson, Revel, Arkhangelsk, there was a lot of work. Zakharov was very sensitive to each project and did not leave a single building unfinished, sometimes very significant, from small office buildings to the main buildings of the Admir alty in Arkhangelsk andAstrakhan. In these projects, the talent of Zakharov as an urban planner was manifested, he determined the appearance of the embankments of many Russian cities. The most significant works were the buildings of the Black Sea Hospital in Kherson, the Cadet Corps in Nikolaev, the project of the Rope Plant in Arkhangelsk.

And yet, the main work of Zakharov's life was the project of the main building of the St. Petersburg Admir alty. He created a spectacular, large-scale building, the length of its facade is 400 meters. The rhythm and symmetry of the facade decorated with sculptures looks majestic and grand. A tower with a spire and a golden ship sets the vertical, which has become the dominant feature of the urban landscape. The building has become the pinnacle of Zakharov's creativity, everything is perfect in this building: from thoughtful functionality to a majestic and harmonious appearance.

Architect's work

Andreyan Dmitrievich Zakharov, whose photos of buildings today adorn all textbooks on Russian architecture, created many projects of various sizes in many cities of the country. The most notable works were:

• Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called in Kronstadt;
• provisional island development plan in the Admir alty of St. Petersburg;
• Cathedral of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine in Yekaterinoslav;
• Marine hospital on the Vyborg side of St. Petersburg;
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Izhevsk;
• re-planning of the Main Rowing Port in St. Petersburg.

Many of Zakharov's buildings have not survived to this day, but his legacydignity appreciated by descendants.

Private life

Architect Andrey Dmitrievich Zakharov devoted his whole life to his beloved work. He taught a lot, worked on projects, and did not have time to arrange personal happiness. He devoted his free time to studying books on mechanics, art, technology, and was interested in carpentry. Zakharov suffered from heart attacks, but did not attach any importance to this. In the summer of 1811, he became very ill and died on September 8. The Academy of Arts expressed its deepest sorrow at his untimely departure. Unfortunately, the great architect did not manage to see any of his big projects completed, many of his works were ahead of their time and were not implemented.