Considering that this bust commemorates such a multifaceted person, what exactly do you think it represents? This is the Lomonosov Monument Bust. It honors Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov. He was a true polymath. Lomonosov excelled as a scientist, naturalist, poet, and lyricist. His contributions spanned literature, education, academic pursuits, and applied sciences.
Lomonosov was part genius. He was a physicist, astronomer, chemist, historian, and mosaic artist. Imagine that range of expertise. He even hypothesized that Venus had an atmosphere.
Lomonosov wrote a book. It helped standardize the Russian language. He combined Old Church Slavonic with the local language. He was the first to record the freezing of mercury. Lomonosov invented sea tools. They simplified calculating distances and directions. He suggested the existence of Antarctica. He restored the art of mosaics. Lomonosov organized an expedition to find the Northwest Passage. He was a man of incredible vision.
The Lomonosov Monument Bust sits near St. Petersburg State University. Its location is at the intersection of Mendeleevskaya Line and the University Embankment. The setting is quite fitting. Lomonosov studied at the Academic University. This institution was the forerunner of the modern St. Petersburg University. Later, he became its rector.
The monument’s unveiling occurred on November 21, 1986. It marked Lomonosov’s 275th anniversary. This also coincided with the Russian Academy of Science’s 250th anniversary.
The statue stands three meters tall. Valentin Sveshnikov and Boris Petrov designed this bronze figure. Igor Shakhov and Eduard Tyakht designed the red marble pedestal. Lomonosov is seated. He holds an open manuscript. He appears a bit tired. Yet his face radiates creative thought. He looks as if he is on the cusp of a new discovery. Lomonosov’s gaze is fixed on the Neva River.
Since its opening, a tradition has developed. Freshmen are greeted here. Local authorities and university administrators welcome them. The Lomonosov Monument Bust represents a pivotal figure. He helped shape Russian science and culture. He was a member of the Academy for over 20 years. From 1758 until his death, he was rector of the Academic University.
The Lomonosov Monument Bust is considered among the best public monuments in St. Petersburg. It was created in the last 50 years. The bust stands on a pedestal of gray marble. The base is flat and octahedral. It is made of red granite. A bronze bas-relief depicts a sitting boy. He holds an open book. It also features a poem by A.S. Pushkin. The poem is called “Otrok”. It is dedicated to the great Russian scientist. Take a moment to appreciate Lomonosov. He was a true giant of Russian intellectual history. He was a scientist, artist, and educator.