Regarding Dresden as a “treasure in a snuffbox,” Fyodor Dostoevsky spent more time in Dresden than in any other city outside Russia. We are standing before the Dostojewskij Denkmal. It commemorates the famous Russian novelist. The Dostojewskij Denkmal stands on the Elbe Embankment.
Dostoevsky lived in Dresden for several years between 1862 and 1871. Here, he started writing his famous novel “Demons”. The Dostojewskij Denkmal was installed in 2006. Alexander Rukavishnikov, a Russian sculptor, created it.
Dostoevsky visited Germany often. However, he stayed in Dresden longer than in any other city. In his early visits, he faced difficulties with the German people. He noted their strong national character in his diary. He found it arrogant and sometimes infuriating.
Driven by gambling addiction and poor health, Dresden wasn’t always a happy place for him. The two months after his wedding to Anna Grigorjewna were an exception. They loved the city’s old architecture and riverside location. Dostoevsky loved the art in the Royal Picture Gallery, now the Gemaldegalerie Alte Meister. Raphael’s Sistine Madonna impressed him the most. His wife wrote in her diary that he climbed on a chair. He wanted to see the huge canvas up close.
From August 1869 to July 1871, he lived in Dresden for the longest stretch of time. It was also his longest stay abroad. Despite his longing for Russia and St. Petersburg, he stayed. He prepared for his novel “The Idiot”. He also wrote chapters for “The Demons.” These novels are now considered his most important works. His daughter Ljubow was born in September 1869. Her birth brought him joy. However, his family struggled financially due to his limited success as a novelist.
Dresden was a place of happiness and a vicious cycle for him. Yet, his visits enriched the city culturally. In 1996, the city decided to honor him with a monument. It recognized his most productive period outside Russia.
The Dostojewskij Denkmal was unveiled in 2006 near the Elbe River. It stands between the Saxon State Parliament and the International Congress Center. Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin, and Georg Milbradt attended the ceremony. This highlighted its importance. The German-Russian Cultural Institute organized a program. Roland Opitz, former president of the German Dostoevsky Society, was a special guest.
Opitz wrote “Kennst du Fjodor Dostojewski?”. Bertuch Verlag in Weimar published it. It introduces Dostoevsky to young readers. It includes excerpts from his novels and biographical notes. It is a good way to learn about the life and work of this great Russian writer. This Dostojewskij Denkmal stands as a testament to a complicated but ultimately fruitful relationship between a writer and a city.