Bust of Peter 1 (Rastrelli): history and description

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

The development of secular painting dates back to the 18th century. Along with it, such an art form as sculpture became widespread. Sculpture was something new, previously unknown. It was believed that this is a demonic manifestation - the Orthodox Church promoted this statement to the masses.

Sculpture, as an art form, is distinguished by the fact that it is a three-dimensional image. Not only the portrait genre, like the bust of Peter 1 Rastrelli, but also the everyday, mythological and animalistic genre (image of animals) became widespread. As well as allegorical (the embodiment of ideas and concepts through images), historical and other genres of painting. This article presents such a genre of sculpture as a portrait, using the example of the work of Carlo Bartolomeo Rastrelli - a bust of Peter 1.

A little about the sculptor

Rastrelli is an 18th century Italian sculptor. Initially, he lived at the court of Louis XIV, and in 1716 he was invited by Peter I to St. Petersburg, where he was engaged in decorative work and cast cannons.

The first creation of the sculptorthere was a bust of A. D. Menshikov, which is now in the Hermitage. Rastrelli also created sculptures based on the fables of the famous ancient Greek poet Aesop.

Other sculptures by Rastrelli have survived to this day, such as: a bronze statue of Anna Ioannovna and a bronze bust of Peter I.

Bronze bust of Peter 1 (Rastrelli)

This sculpture is considered original, as the figure is depicted to the waist, while the bust is the bust of a man. It was not by chance that Rastrelli executed the sculpture in this way - thereby he wanted to elevate the figure of Peter 1 - so that he was perceived solemnly and majestically.

If you carefully examine the attire of the emperor, you can see that he is depicted in armor. Everything is in the best traditions of that time (generals, kings and statesmen were depicted in armor). The plate depicts a scene of carving a female figure in armor from stone. Also depicted are a scepter and an orb, which symbolize the renewed Russia. The second plate depicts a battle scene - the Battle of Poltava, in which the entire power of the Russian army was demonstrated.

On the emperor's chest you can see the ribbon of St. Andrew the First-Called. The Order of St. Andrew the First-Called until 1917 was considered the highest award of the Russian Empire. It was approved in 1698 by Peter 1 himself.

On the shoulders of the emperor is depicted an ermine mantle with a floral ornament. It is made in large folds, as if falling from the shoulder, which demonstrates splendor and the presence of movement.

Carefully examining the bust of Peter 1 (Rastrelli), you can see withhow accurately the sculptor depicted the texture of objects. The lightness of the lace scarf, the shine of the emperor's armor, the velvety of the mantle on the shoulders are noticeable.

The bust of Peter 1 (Rastrelli), the photo of which is attached to the article, is intended for three-dimensional inspection. If you look at him from the front, you can see a prominent nose, and on the left, Peter appears as a strong-willed person. If you look at the sculpture on the right, you can see traces of fatigue and anxiety.

Interesting facts

The basis for the sculpture is the head of Peter the Great made of plaster, which was made in 1721. There is another version of the bust of Peter 1 (Rastrelli). In 1724 the casting of the busts was completed and the bronze bust was made in the new Roman manner. The second was cast in the Caesarian manner. Rastrelli received permission to execute the busts of Peter the Great with the help of the Italian architect Nicola Michetti.

Second bust

This sculpture is a bust of Emperor Peter the Great dressed as a Roman Emperor. By tradition, Peter the Great is depicted with a naked neck and in armor, from which a tunic sticks out. The head of the Gorgon Medusa is depicted on the armor, her face is distorted with a grimace of anger, and snakes writhe on her head. Her mouth is open in a cry of anger and intimidation. The depicted Medusa Gorgon is considered a pearl of the craftsmanship of a Russian architect of Italian origin.

The bust, made of lead and covered with gilding, is now stored inCopenhagen. Such busts were presented to foreigners of noble origin. One of the busts of Rastrelli was presented to the Duke of Holstein. Another bust was presented by Peter the Great himself to Frederick IV - now he is also in Denmark.

Unsurviving works of the great master

Rastrelli was not only a sculptor, but also an architect. He owns the first project of the famous Konstantinovsky Palace in Stelna. Under the leadership of Bartolomeo Carlo Rastrelli, work began on digging canals and planting trees, but the project was given to French-born architect Jean-Baptiste Lebrun.

Also, the bronze bust of the Russian officer Sergei Leontievich Bukhvostov, who in 1683 was the first to enroll in the Preobrazhensky Regiment of Peter 1, has not survived to this day. This bust was made by order of the emperor himself.

In addition to this, in 1952 the cracker fountain "Oak" was restored, which is located near Monprezirova alley. This fountain consists of five tulips and metal wood. Water sprays from them.

Conclusion

Bartolomeo Carlo Rastrelli in the bust of Peter 1 solved a very difficult task - he showed the emperor not only in terms of splendor, but also as a person with unshakable willpower and unbending character.

This bust can be viewed from two points of view. On the one hand, the sculptor depicted the great emperor as a typical figure in the era of transformations, various social changes. On the other hand, we have a person with a complex character, withown anxieties and feelings. Rastrelli portrayed not only a political figure, but also a personality.