Sculptor Mark Antokolsky: biography, family, work

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

In the article we will talk about the sculptor Antokolsky. This man became famous for his amazing creations, which became loved by many. How did Mark Matveyevich live, what was his life like? You will find answers to all these questions in the article.

Childhood

Mark Matveyevich Antokolsky was born on November 2, 1840. The man's surname goes back to the name of the Antokol suburb of Vilna, where the whole family lived. Mark had 8 brothers and sisters. All of them were born into a Jewish family. Mother and father lived quite modestly, as they were not rich people. At the same time, much attention was paid to religion. However, she was not particularly interested in little Mark, who from an early age felt an interest in drawing. Since the boy painted what he wanted and where he wanted, his parents reacted to his hobby at first frivolously, and then negatively. However, the reason was not only this - they did not want to see an artist in their offspring. Nevertheless, time passed, and the parental heart softened when they looked at the efforts of their child. When Mark grew up and already clearly had a talent for drawing, he was sent to study with a wood carver. The guy learned quickly and sooneven surpassed his teacher. After some time, many already knew about the talented youngster.

The future sculptor Antokolsky became interested in the wife of Vilna General V. Nazimov, who helped young talents. It was thanks to her perseverance and connections that Mark was accepted to study at the Academy of Arts. He was allowed to become a volunteer in the sculpture class.

First Achievements

Already in 1864, Mark Matveyevich Antokolsky received a silver medal for his high relief "Jewish tailor". After another four years of hard work, the guy receives a gold award for a high relief called "The Miser".

By the way, already while studying at the Academy of Arts, the guy was fluent in Russian, and was also actively interested in Russian literature and history. It must be taken into account that at home he spoke Yiddish. Fascinated by Russian culture, he creates a statue of "Ivan the Terrible" in 1970, which elevates him almost to the skies - the young sculptor Antokolsky receives the title of academician in his educational institution. Princess Maria Nikolaevna, who was the patroness of the Academy of Arts, was indescribably delighted at the sight of Mark's work. It was she who told about a talented young man to Emperor Alexander II, who was also influenced by the statue. He even decided to purchase it for the Hermitage and paid 8,000 rubles for the work, which at that time was a huge amount of money.

Maturity period

Antokolsky Mark Matveyevich, biographywhom we are considering, after graduating from the Academy decided to go to Paris and Rome. By the way, in those days it was a common thing for graduates. So to speak, practice. It was believed that in order for a person to become a good craftsman and be able to bring something new, he had to see the work of the best creators in the original and fully immerse himself in the cultural atmosphere. The monument to Peter 1 in Taganrog was conceived as a sculpture during his studies at the Academy, but he began work on it only in Rome. In parallel with this, the man becomes a corresponding member of the Paris Academy. Already in 1878, he demonstrates his best creations at the World Exhibition held in Paris. By the way, the monument to Peter 1 in Taganrog is considered to be one of the best.

Sculptor Antokolsky received the highest possible award and the Order of the Legion of Honor. After some time, the man was already a corresponding member of a number of Western European academies: London, Vienna, Berlin, etc.

Later years

In 1889, a man creates a statue of Nestor the Chronicler. After 2 years, the sculptor completes two more significant works: the bronze statue "Ermak" and the majolica "Yaroslav the Wise".

Besides sculpture, Mark has been writing a lot in recent years. His articles on art were published by various European magazines. In 1887, his "Autobiography" was published, and shortly before his own death, he wrote the novel "Ben-Izak", which dedicated the life of the Jews.

After the death of the great man, the book “Mark Matveyevich Antokolsky. Hislife, work, letters and articles.”

Antokolsky died in Frankfurt am Main, but some argue that he surrendered to heaven in the town of Bad Homburg. He was buried at the Preobrazhensky Jewish Cemetery in St. Petersburg. It is worth noting that from childhood the man was a believer, which he remained until the end of his days, observing the customs of Judaism. The tombstone is decorated with images of a Torah scroll, a menorah and a Star of David.

Family

As for the family, the sculptor had no wife or children. His family is considered to be his niece Elena Tarkhanova, who was also an artist. The woman was married to the famous physiologist Ivan Tarkhanov. They were kindred spirits with Antokolsky, so they always kept in touch, went through creative crises together.

Interesting facts

The sculptures of Mark Antokolsky are very famous. Such a talented person had many followers. Two of them are Boris Shats and Ilya Gintsburg.

The first sculpture of Russian production, which was bought in the West - the work of Antokolsky "Tsar John Vasilyevich the Terrible." Purchased work was in the Kensington Museum.

There is a street in Jerusalem named after M. Antokolsky.

Ermak and Ivan the Terrible

Let's consider one of the most interesting sculptures by Mark Matveyevich Antokolsky - "Ermak". To begin with, it is worth saying that allsculptures performed in the style of realism, which is why they are so attractive. In addition, I would like to note the accuracy and clarity of his creations. Antokolsky began work on Yermak in 1881. Ermak Timofeevich is a historical figure. A well-known Cossack chieftain who led the conquest of Siberia for the Russian state. It is not at all surprising that Mark, who was so interested in Russian history, was attracted by the figure of Yermak. And the very idea was given to him by a round date - the 300th anniversary of the conquest of Siberia. At the same time, the official order for the creation of the sculpture came "from above".

Despite the fact that there were enough descriptions of this hero in the literature, Antokolsky wanted to convey a vivid image, to show emotions. He was faced with the task of creating an image that would personify the strength of the spirit of the entire Russian people. Amazingly, Mark Matveyevich really managed to recreate all this in the facial features of a single person. The huge figure of a man is striking in its size and power. It is noteworthy that the warrior's armor is made with great accuracy and historical accuracy. A lot of effort and time was spent on creating this marvelous sculpture, but it was worth it.

The statue "Ivan the Terrible" was the first large-scale work of a man. This creation is made with unusual attention to the smallest details. The king sits on a high throne, his shoulders are covered with a soft fur coat, and at his feet is power over the whole country. It is amazing how in one sculpture Mark Antokolsky was able to depict almost everything that a person experienced and that was important to him. During his reign, the king hadgo through a lot that made him terrified in his old age. However, it is very difficult for the king to admit his mistakes, which is why his back is tilted, making him look like a gloomy old man. Despite realizing his sins, he cannot ask for forgiveness, which makes it even harder for him.

Mark Antokolsky: The Death of Socrates

The idea was born by the author in 1874. It is known that many works of this creator are filled with inner drama, especially the statues of ancient thinkers. This work was created in 1877.

Socrates had a choice: renounce his views or die. The thinker chose the second path. The task of the sculpture was to depict the persistent fading of life and the greatness of the moral feat. Mark Matveyevich himself said that he wanted to create a sculpture at the time of Socrates' death in order to depict the great tragedy of how a person dies for his ideas.

We talked about the life and career of the sculptor Antokolsky. His life path was full of not only bright events, but also obstacles. Despite some internal conflicts, the man stubbornly went ahead and did what he loved, bringing it to perfection.