“Grotesque” some whispered when it was unveiled. Today, we stand before the Monument to Peter I, a statue in the Peter and Paul Fortress. It is a work that has sparked both criticism and affection. This bronze statue of Peter the Great is by Mihail Chemiakin.
Installed in June 1991, the statue has a unique history. Chemiakin designed and cast it in the United States in the 1980s. He then donated it to Saint Petersburg.
The Monument to Peter I stands at 1.90 meters tall. It rests on a granite base of 0.36 meters. Peter is depicted sitting on a throne. The statue is said to resemble Carlo Bartolomeo Rastrelli’s wax figure of Peter from 1725.
Chemiakin used a life mask of Peter’s face taken by Rastrelli in 1719. This fact is proudly displayed at the base of the statue. However, Chemiakin intentionally exaggerated Peter’s other body parts. This gave the statue a rather peculiar appearance.
Initially, locals heavily criticized the Monument to Peter I. Guards were even posted to protect it from vandalism. Over time, however, people began to accept Chemiakin’s artistic vision.
Chemiakin dedicated eight years to this project. He created three versions of the statue. The other two are in Normandy, France, and Claverack, New York.
The idea for the statue came from Chemiakin’s friend, Vladimir Vysotsky. Chemiakin began with the 1:1 proportions of Rastrelli’s wax figure. Gradually, he elongated the body. He aimed for a style reminiscent of Russian icons.
Locals gave the monument nicknames. Some called it “Bronze Stay-at-Home”. Others referred to it as “Peter IV”. This was because it was the fourth monument to Peter the Great in the city. Some felt that the statue did not resemble the original Peter.
Today, the Monument to Peter I is a popular sight. City traditions have even grown around it. People touch Peter’s hands and legs for good luck. They lay flowers at the base of the monument. This is especially common among young people.
The Monument to Peter I is a striking statue. It captures the complex legacy of Peter the Great. It reminds us that art can provoke strong reactions. It can also become a beloved part of a city’s identity.