History of the monument
In the early 1860s, an idea arose to erect a monument in the city on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Catherine II's accession to the throne. One of the variants of the monument, made to scale 1 ⁄ 16 natural size, located in the Grotto pavilion in Tsarskoye Selo. In the center of the square on Alexandria Square, a monument to Empress Catherine ΙΙ was opened in 1873. Its author is the artist Mikhail Mikeshin.
In the late 1960s, vandals snatched and stole a sword from the hands of Alexander Suvorov. It was played again twice - attempts on the sword continue to this day.
Authors
The artist Mikhail Mikeshin took part in the construction of the monument, the sculptural work was done by Matvey Chizhov, who sculpted the statue of Catherine, and Alexander Opekushin, who created the figures surrounding the pedestal. The author of the project of the pedestal of the monument and the laurel wreath around its foot, the floor lamps of the candelabra, the inscription board under the foot of the monument is the architect David Grimm, who supervised all the work on the creation of the monument. The ornamental details of the lanterns were made according to the drawings of the architect Viktor Schroeter.
Technical data
Around the pedestal are nine figures of prominent figures of the Catherine era: Field Marshal Pyotr Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky, statesman Grigory Potemkin and commander Alexander Suvorov are facing Nevsky Prospekt, the poet Gavriil Derzhavin and the President of the Russian Academy Ekaterina Dashkova are facing the Anichkov Palace, Prince Alexander Bezborodko and the President of the Russian Academy artists Ivan Betskoy - to the Public Library, polar explorer and naval commander Vasily Chichagov and statesman Alexei Orlov-Chesmensky - to the facade of the Alexandrinsky Theater. On the front facade of the monument there is a bronze plaque decorated with attributes of sciences, arts, agriculture and military affairs. On the book, standing among these attributes, the word "law" is written and the inscription is made: "To Empress Catherine ΙΙ in the reign of Emperor Alexander ΙΙ-th 1873".
According to the original plan, the monument was to be installed in Tsarskoye Selo, but later it was decided to install it in St. Petersburg in front of the Alexandrinsky Theater. Between the Alexandrinsky theater and the monument to Catherine II there is a square, which is called Ekaterininsky.
The events of the last years of the reign of Alexander II - in particular, the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 - prevented the implementation of the plan to expand the memorial of the Catherine's era. D. I. Grimm developed a project for the construction in the square next to the monument to Catherine II of bronze statues and busts depicting figures of the glorious reign. According to the final list, approved a year before the death of Alexander II, six bronze sculptures and twenty-three busts on granite pedestals were to be placed next to the monument to Catherine.
In growth should have been depicted: Count N. I. Panin, Admiral G. A. Spiridov, writer D. I. Fonvizin, Prosecutor General of the Senate Prince A. A. Vyazemsky, Field Marshal Prince N. V. Repnin and General A. I. Bibikov, former chairman of the Commission on the code. In the busts - the publisher and journalist N. I. Novikov, the traveler P. S. Pallas, the playwright A. P. Sumarokov, the historians I. N. Boltin and Prince M. M. Shcherbatov, the artists D. G. Levitsky and V. L Borovikovsky, architect A. F. Kokorinov, favorite of Catherine II Count G. G. Orlov, admirals F. F. Ushakov, S. K. Greig, A. I. Cruz, military leaders: Count Z. G. Chernyshev, Prince V M. Dolgorukov-Krymsky, Count I. E. Ferzen, Count V. A. Zubov; Moscow Governor-General Prince M. N. Volkonsky, Governor of Novgorod Count Ya. E. Sievers, diplomat Ya. Panin and I. I. Mikhelson, the hero of the capture of the fortress Ochakov I. I. Meller-Zakomelsky.
City's legends
The wits say that the bronze figures of Catherine's favorites around the pedestal on the monument to Catherine demonstrate the size of their merits with gestures. Only Derzhavin makes a guilty gesture with his hands. And above them rises the majestic depraved empress with a sly smile and a standard scepter in royal hands. In fact, of those depicted on the monument, Catherine's favorite (according to some sources, even her secret spouse) was only
Description
A monument to Empress Catherine II was erected in the center of Ostrovsky Square in St. Petersburg on Nevsky Prospekt. Especially for the landscape design of the monumental-sculptural composition, Alexandrinsky Square was laid out around it.Ostrovsky Square is framed by masterpieces of Russian architecture of different eras, in the depths of the square along the central axis is the Alexandrinsky Theater, with its main pediment depicting an equestrian quadriga, which is controlled by the ancient Greek god Apollo, the patron of the arts, the theater building is an example of the art of Russian classicism. On the right side of the square is the St. Petersburg Public Library, founded by Empress Catherine II, an architectural monument of the 18th - 19th centuries, a repository of historical artifacts expressing the ideas of world human thought. On the left side of the square, the Anichkov Palace, a former noble estate of the 18th century, which was owned by dignitaries in different historical periods, overlooks the square. For the construction of a new square, the center of which was to be a monument to Catherine II, part of the buildings of the estate of the Anichkov Palace were demolished.
The idea to erect a monument to Empress Catherine II arose during her lifetime, but the tsarina rejected this idea, the decision to perpetuate the image of the great Catherine II came during the anniversary date - the 100th anniversary of the accession to the throne of the most merciful empress.
On the opened space, by decree of Emperor Alexander II, on November 24, 1869, a monument was laid, the date was not chosen by chance, November 24 is the day of St. Catherine. The foundation for the monument was built with difficulty, first oak piles were driven in, a rubble layer was laid on top, then granite.
The pedestal, round in plan, made of various types of Karelian granites, is wide at its base, composed of four parts from the largest to the smallest in ascending order, the bronze figure of the Empress completes the composition. It is located on a bronze round pedestal, which bears the main granite pedestal.
The stone pedestal ends with a wide shelf, on which sculptures of the Companions are placed around the main figure. She stands all-powerful, majestic, full of dignity and peace, she is surrounded by associates - people who brought to life the ideas of the magnificent Catherine's century. With their talent, work in the military and national fields, they created the greatness and independence of the Russian Empire.
A creative team of architects, artists, sculptors, foundry workers worked on the monument to Catherine II. The project management was entrusted to the architect D. I. Grimm, the sculptural compositions were performed by the artist and sculptor M. O. Mikeshin, the sculptor A. M. Opekushin, the foundry master M. A. Chizhov (made the sculpture of Catherine), the architect V. A. Shreter worked on the bronze frame of the monument.
On the front side of the pedestal there is a bronze plaque with a dedicatory inscription "To Empress Catherine II in the reign of Emperor Alexander II, 1873". The board is framed with objects symbolizing the areas of activity of the empress and her associates, these are the military land and sea exploits of commanders, the outstanding discoveries of new lands by Russian navigators, the development of sciences, art, the improvement of the state system and the law of the Russian Empire.
The figure of the empress is harmoniously perceived from all angles; from the front side, in her exact portrait resemblance, dressed in flowing clothes, she appears before us as an all-powerful queen. In her right hand she calmly but firmly holds the baton of imperial power, in her left hand rests a laurel wreath - a symbol of the greatness and strength of statesmen of all times and peoples. Her figure is both solemn and graceful, she is calm, but wants to go forward. This movement is strengthened by the falling mantle, the visible image of which tells us what an unbearable burden of responsibility for her country the Mother Empress bears. As a true woman, Catherine appears before us in an elegant crown, at her feet is the imperial crown, under which is a scroll with a nominal monogram.
The sculptural composition of the monument to Catherine II consists of two parts, on the lower granite circular shelf there are figures of associates, the monument is crowned by the figure of the empress herself, located on a bronze pedestal.
Who were these people, with their mind, work, exploits, talent, devotion to their homeland, who created the greatness of Russia.
On the front side of the pedestal are the figures of P. A. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky, G. A. Potemkin and V. A. Suvorov, the portrait resemblance of the great commanders of different periods of the reign of Catherine is striking. Between the characters there is a lively dialogue about the fate of the peoples and the fatherland.
A group of sculptural images by A. A. Bezborodko and I. I. Betsky tell the story of the development of state building in the language of art.
The poet and outstanding statesman G. R. Derzhavin and the president of the Russian Academy, one of the most educated women in Europe, E. R. Dashkova, are talking about the flowering of enlightenment thoughts and the formation of the Russian poetic trend.
A separate group is represented by V. Ya. Chichagov and A. G. Orlov-Chesmensky. These people lived at different times. Orlov-Chesmensky defended the freedom of his homeland and the historically close Orthodox Christian peoples. Chichagov was an outstanding explorer and navigator who devoted his entire life to the service of Russia.
The monument to Catherine II was solemnly opened on November 24, 1873 in the presence of the sovereign. The event was accompanied by a military parade and fireworks. The entire architectural and sculptural complex was built within 12 years, the strength of the creators, their will, perseverance and faith in victory were crowned with a brilliant result. The monument, 15 meters high, is skillfully inscribed in the relatively small space of Ostrovsky Square in front of Nevsky Prospekt. Empress Catherine II peers into the future with a look of greatness, her followers also think about the main thing - the future of their native country.
Sculptor
M. O. Mikeshin, M. A. Chizhov, A. M. Opekushin
Contacts
The address
St. Petersburg, Ostrovsky Square, Ekaterinensky Square
How to get there?
Metro
Gostiny Dvor
How to get there
To the metro station "Gostiny Dvor", exiting, to the right along Nevsky Prospekt, in 2 minutes you will find yourself in front of the monument to Catherine II
The situation began to change only in the 1760s. An important role here was played by Ivan Ivanovich Shuvalov (1727–1797), the founder and first curator of the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. Having fallen out of favor after the accession of Catherine II, he was forced to go on a trip abroad, which lasted about fourteen years (1763-1777). Shuvalov spent most of his time in Rome, repeatedly sending works of painting, sculpture and applied art to Russia. There is no doubt that they were intended not only for Shuvalov himself and Catherine II, but also for other Russian collectors. In other words, Shuvalov took on the role of an artistic agent, which contributed to the spread of a new taste in Russia, oriented towards antiquity. The most famous is the collection of casts from famous antiques sent by Shuvalov from Rome, received in St. Petersburg in August 1769. Most of these casts are still kept in the Museum of the Academy of Arts. At the same time, Shuvalov sent to St. Petersburg a number of marble sculptures created by modern masters in Rome, including copies from antiques. Two such works signed by Carlo Albacini - "Flora Farnese" and "Isis" - are kept in the Hermitage.
In the second half of the 1760s, artistic contacts were also established with craftsmen from Carrara, who supplied sculpture to many European countries at relatively low prices. Through the mediation of the Marquis Pano Maruzzi, who later became the Russian consul in Venice, four statues by Giovanni Antonio Cibei, the head of the local school, were acquired (now they are kept in the Hermitage). Later, the same master made a number of images of Catherine II (for example, a portrait bust, located in the State Museum-Reserve "Peterhof"). Perhaps the products of the Carrara workshop also include figures of boys with attributes of painting and sculpture, acquired in 1766 and 1771 and adorned the Hanging Garden of the Small Hermitage.
Nevertheless, it seems that Catherine II did not have much interest in sculpture. Buying statues and busts from Jean Antoine Houdon, inviting Etienne Maurice Falcone to St. Petersburg, the Empress rather followed the advice of experts around her - such as Denis Diderot and Prince Dmitry Alekseevich Golitsyn, who was then ambassador to France. When ordering the works of Marie Anne Collot, who came to St. Petersburg with Falcone, Catherine II probably proceeded from considerations of female solidarity, paying tribute to a rare profession for a young girl. In addition, she definitely did not consider the Hermitage as a universal museum intended for works of sculpture as well. Therefore, the work of French sculptors found a place in the Grotto (or Morning Hall) in Tsarskoye Selo, the favorite summer residence of the Empress. Over time, a rich collection of antique sculpture, acquired in 1785 from John Lyde Brown, one of the directors of the Bank of England, also came here.
November 24 (December 6), 1873 in St. Petersburg on Alexandrinsky Square (now Ostrovsky Square) a monument to Empress Catherine II was solemnly opened.
In 1860, the Academy of Arts announced a competition for the construction of a monument to Catherine II for Tsarskoe Selo. The project of the artist M.O. Mikeshin, the author of the monument "Millennium of Russia" in Novgorod. The model of the monument was cast in bronze at the Chopin factory and sent to the World Exhibition in London, where it was awarded a medal.
In 1863, the Governor-General of St. Petersburg Prince A.A. Suvorov turned to the emperor with a proposal to erect a monument in the square opposite the "Alexandria Theater ... and the Public Library, the establishment of which belongs to the wise empress." Mikeshin drew up a new, more significant project, different from the model of 1861. By mid-August 1864, the new model of the monument was completed, having received the highest approval.
The sculptor M.A. worked on the model of the statue of Catherine. Chizhov. The figures of the figures of Catherine's reign were fashioned by A.M. Opekushin.
The bronze sculpture was cast at the Kohun bronze foundry (Nichols & Plinke firm). The project of the architectural solution of the monument was developed by the architect D.I. Grimm. According to his project, massive candelabra lanterns and the fence of the monument from laurel garlands were also made. The ornamental details of the lanterns were made according to the drawings of the architect V.A. Schroeter.
Since June 1869, work began on the construction of the monument, while work was underway to create a public garden. Four years later, on November 24 (December 6), 1873, in an atmosphere of special solemnity in the presence of the royal family, the opening of the monument to Empress Catherine II took place.
A colossal statue of the empress, dressed in a long, heavy folded mantle, is installed on a bell-shaped pedestal.
At the base of the monument to Catherine II there are figures of prominent figures of Russia in the second half of the 18th century: diplomat, Prince A.A. Bezborodko; educator I.I. Betskaya; President of the Russian Academy, Princess E.R. Dashkov; poet and statesman G.R. Derzhavin; general-anshef, count A.G. Orlov-Chesmensky; Field Marshal General, Prince G.A. Potemkin-Tavrichesky; Field Marshal General, Count P.A. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky; Generalissimo A.V. Suvorov-Rymniksky; Admiral V.Ya. Chichagov.
P.A. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky, G.A. Potemkin, A.V. Suvorov
A.A. Bezborodko, I.I. Betskaya
V.Ya. Chichagov, A.G. Orlov-Chesmensky
G. R. Derzhavin, E. R. Dashkova
Above the board with the inscription: “To Empress Catherine II, in the reign of Emperor Alexander II, 1873”, the attributes of sciences, arts, agriculture, military land and sea affairs are combined; on the book standing among these attributes is written "Law".
The creation of the monument took 3.1 thousand pounds of bronze, that is, almost 50 tons. The total height of the monument is 14.9 m, the height of the sculpture of Catherine II is 4.2 m, the height of the pedestal is 10.7 m.
Laying of the monument to Catherine II. 1969
World illustration Vol. 2, No. 50 1869 
Solomatkin Leonid Ivanovich (1837-1883) "Opening of the monument to Catherine II". 1873
Canvas, oil.
State Art Museum of the Altai Territory, Barnaul. 
1873. Opening of the monument to Catherine II. November 24, 1873 
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Establish a monument in the city. One of the variants of the monument, made to scale 1 ⁄ 16 natural size, located in the Grotto pavilion in Tsarskoye Selo. In the center of the square on Alexandria Square, a monument to Empress Catherine II was opened in 1873. Its author is the artist Mikhail Mikeshin.
In the late 1960s, vandals snatched and stole a sword from the hands of Alexander Suvorov. It was played again twice - attempts on the sword continue to this day.
Authors
The artist Mikhail Mikeshin took part in the construction of the monument, the sculptural works were performed by Matvey Chizhov, who sculpted the statue of Catherine, and Alexander Opekushin, who created the figures surrounding the pedestal. The author of the project of the pedestal of the monument and the laurel wreath around its foot, the floor lamps of the candelabra, the inscription board under the foot of the monument is the architect David Grimm, who supervised all the work on the creation of the monument. The ornamental details of the lanterns were made according to the drawings of the architect Viktor Schroeter.
Technical data
Around the pedestal are nine figures of prominent figures of the Catherine's era: Field Marshal Pyotr Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky, statesman Grigory Potemkin and commander Alexander Suvorov are facing Nevsky Prospekt, the poet Gavriil Derzhavin and the President of the Russian Academy Ekaterina Dashkova, President of the Russian Academy, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Alexander Palace of Russia art Ivan Betskoy - to the Public Library, polar explorer and naval commander Vasily Chichagov and statesman Alexei Orlov-Chesmensky - to the pediment of the Alexandrinsky Theater. On the front facade of the monument there is a bronze plaque decorated with attributes of sciences, arts, agriculture and military affairs. On the book, standing among these attributes, the word "law" is written and the inscription is made: "To Empress Catherine ΙΙ in the reign of Emperor Alexander ΙΙ-th 1873".
According to the original plan, the monument was to be installed in Tsarskoye Selo, but later it was decided to install it in St. Petersburg in front of the Alexandrinsky Theater. Between the Alexandrinsky theater and the monument to Catherine II there is a square, which is called Ekaterininsky.
The events of the last years of the reign of Alexander II - in particular, the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878 - prevented the implementation of the plan to expand the memorial of the Catherine's era. D. I. Grimm developed a project for the construction in the square next to the monument to Catherine II of bronze statues and busts depicting figures of the glorious reign. According to the final list, approved a year before the death of Alexander II, six bronze sculptures and twenty-three busts on granite pedestals were to be placed next to the monument to Catherine.
In growth were to be depicted: Count N. I. Panin, Admiral G. A. Spiridov, writer D. I. Fonvizin, Prosecutor General of the Senate Prince A. A. Vyazemsky, Field Marshal Prince N. V. Repnin and General A. I. Bibikov, former chairman of the Commission on the code. In the busts - the publisher and journalist N. I. Novikov, traveler P. S. Pallas, playwright A. P. Sumarokov, historians I. N. Boltin and Prince M. M. Shcherbatov, artists D. G. Levitsky and V. L . Borovikovsky, architect A. F. Kokorinov, favorite of Catherine II Count G. G. Orlov, admirals F. F. Ushakov, S. K. Greig, A. I. Kruz, commanders: Count Z. G. Chernyshev, Prince V . M. Dolgorukov-Krymsky, Count I. E. Ferzen, Count V. A. Zubov; Moscow Governor-General Prince M. N. Volkonsky, Governor of Novgorod Count Ya. E. Sivers, diplomat Y.I. Panin and I. I. Mikhelson, the hero of the capture of the fortress Ochakov I. I. Meller-Zakomelsky.
City's legends
The wits say that the bronze figures of Catherine's favorites around the pedestal on the monument to Catherine demonstrate the size of their merits with gestures. Only Derzhavin makes a guilty gesture with his hands. And above them rises the majestic depraved empress with a sly smile and a standard scepter in royal hands. In fact, of those depicted on the monument, Catherine's favorite (according to some sources, even a secret spouse) was only G. A. Potemkin.
One of the legends claims that "innumerable riches" are buried under the monument. When laying the monument, one of the exalted ladies tore off her ring and threw it into the pit. Other women followed suit. According to city rumors, in Soviet times, the authorities wanted to excavate in the Catherine's Garden. However , the matter did not go further than cabinet talks .
The monument to Catherine is the most unfortunate monument in the city. Sculptural details (bronze chains, orders, swords) constantly disappear from him, restorers found fragments of glass bottles even on the head of the empress. And once Catherine was seen in a vest with a bottle in her hand. They say that drunken sailors did it.
