Пожарному Statue

Catherine the Great, a German princess ruling Russia, yearned for a connection to Peter the Great. She sought legitimacy, a tie to the revered founder of St. Petersburg. Right here, in Senate Square, stands the result of her desire: the Bronze Horseman. The inscription reads, “Catherine the Second to Peter the First, 1782”. This statue, more than just bronze and stone, embodies Catherine’s ambition and her admiration for Peter’s legacy. The Bronze Horseman isn’t merely a statue. It’s a symbol of St. Petersburg, a testament to Peter the Great’s vision. French sculptor Étienne Maurice Falconet crafted this masterpiece, capturing Peter in a heroic pose, atop his rearing steed. Peter’s outstretched arm points towards the Neva River, a gesture symbolizing his ambition for Russia. Beneath the horse lies a serpent, a representation of treachery and the enemies of Peter’s reforms. This dramatic scene unfolds on the Thunder Stone, the largest stone ever moved by humans. Originally weighing over 1500 tons, this massive rock was transported from Lakhta, a feat of engineering that took over two years. Imagine 400 men, working tirelessly, dragging this colossal stone across frozen ground using a system of bronze spheres and metal sleds. The sculptor intended to work on the stone at its original location. However, Catherine insisted it be moved first, adding another layer of complexity to the project. During the casting of the statue, disaster struck. The mold broke, unleashing molten bronze and igniting fires. Amidst the chaos, one man remained: Emelyan Khailov. Risking his life, he salvaged the casting, a testament to the dedication and skill of those involved. A young apprentice, Marie-Anne Collot, just 18 years old, sculpted Peter’s face based on his death mask. A detail often overlooked is the right hand, modeled after a Roman bronze hand found in the Netherlands. During World War II, the Bronze Horseman stood defiant. Protected by sandbags and a wooden shelter, it survived the 900-day Siege of Leningrad, unscathed. The Bronze Horseman stands today as a symbol of resilience. It is a reminder of the city’s enduring spirit and the vision of its founder, Peter the Great.