Clodt’s majestic horses. They command attention on Anichkov Bridge. The Постамент коня Клоdта sculptures are more than just static figures. They embody the spirit of Saint Petersburg.
The Постамент коня Клоdта, also known as the Horse Tamers, is an iconic symbol of Saint Petersburg. These bronze sculptures adorn Anichkov Bridge, where Nevsky Prospekt crosses the Fontanka River. They have become synonymous with the city’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Baron Peter Clodt von Jurgensburg, a former artillery officer, sculpted the horses. His passion for these animals, particularly horses, resonated with Emperor Nicholas I. This affinity earned him the imperial commission for the sculptures. In the 1830s, Clodt created two initial statues, “Horse with Walking Youth” and “Youth Taking a Horse by the Bridle”. These were originally intended for the quay in front of the Academy of Fine Arts. However, fate intervened when Ancient Egyptian Sphinxes arrived in Saint Petersburg. The sphinxes took the quayside spot. Clodt’s horses found a new home on Anichkov Bridge.
The sculptures garnered significant acclaim. Impressed by their artistry, Emperor Nicholas I gifted replicas to King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia and King Ferdinand II of Sicily. You can still see these replicas in Berlin and Naples today. For a period, only plaster copies graced Anichkov Bridge. Then, in 1851, the bridge received its full complement of bronze Horse Tamers. Four powerful equine forms, forever frozen in their dynamic struggle with their human handlers. Interestingly, all four statues are modeled on the same Arabian stallion, Amalatbek. It was Clodt’s daughter who encouraged the stallion to prance. This allowed her father to capture the horse’s vibrant energy in his sketches.
The Постамент коня Клоdта has witnessed history unfold. Twice, the statues have been removed from their pedestals. The first time was during the Siege of Leningrad. This protected them from potential damage. The second removal occurred in 2000 for restoration. This prepared them for Saint Petersburg’s tercentenary celebrations.
As you stand here, on Anichkov Bridge, imagine the countless passersby. Over the centuries, they have paused to admire Clodt’s masterpieces. Their bronze surfaces gleam. They reflect the city’s ever-changing light, a silent testament to Saint Petersburg’s enduring spirit.