Where do the four great Russian rivers meet? Probably every Russian schoolchild knows the answer to this question - on the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. It is here that the Rostral Columns are located, at the base of which there are four sculptures representing the Volga, Volkhov, Neva and Dnieper rivers.
When the port of St. Petersburg was transferred to Vasilyevsky Island in the 1730s, a square began to form in its eastern part. Simultaneously with the construction of the new Exchange building, architect Jean-François Thomas de Thomon designs two columns that effectively fit into the overall architectural ensemble of Strelka. Rostral columns were installed in 1810, and at first they served as lanterns. They are lit at night or in heavy fog to make the passage of ships easier. The southern column shows the direction to the Bolshaya Neva, and the northern one - to the Malaya. Inside the column, in the free space, there is a steep spiral staircase. It leads to a platform on which a huge bowl is installed. The entire structure is supported by a metal tripod. In the old days, hemp oil was poured into bowls and set on fire: during combustion, a huge column of flame was formed, and burning spray flew onto the heads of passers-by. In 1896, for safety reasons and for ease of maintenance, electricity was supplied to the columns, but such lighting turned out to be very expensive. After the events of the October Revolution, the lanterns remained inactive for a long time. And only in 1957, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the city, the lighthouses were gasified. And on June 23, 1957, for the first time, pillars of fire seven meters high broke out over the Rostral Columns. Nowadays, you can admire the burning lighthouses on holidays.
According to Thomas de Thomon's plan, rostras made of metal, hollow inside and decorated with figures of various river gods, were placed on the columns. In ancient Rome, ceremonial columns were decorated with the prows of defeated enemy ships. It is these parts of the ships that are called “rostrum”. By decorating the columns with rostras, the architect sought to emphasize the power and greatness of the Russian navy. History has preserved for us the names of the blacksmiths who made the rostra and anchors: Vasiliev, Shapov, Korolkov. Working on the project for a long time, the architect eventually chose the ideal proportions - the height of the Rostral columns is thirty-two meters.
The famous nugget stonemason Samson Sukhanov, who also worked on the colonnade of the Kazan Cathedral and the Alexander Column, worked on the creation of the Rostral Columns. It was he who, without using any measuring instruments, hewed out huge balls of granite installed on the descent of the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. The columns themselves were made of red brick by an artel under his management.
The structures rise on foundations made of granite, which at the same time serve as pedestals for four sculptures. The models of the figures were made by the architects Joseph Camberlain and Jean Thibault. The northern column has sculptures of the Dnieper and Volga, and the southern column has sculptures of the Neva and Volkhov. The male figure symbolizing the Dnieper was made by Camberlain, the rest by Thibault. Initially, it was planned to cast the statues from metal, cast iron or bronze, but this turned out to be expensive and labor-intensive. Then it was decided to make the figures from stone. But where to get decent material? The choice fell on a stone with an interesting property. In the village of Pudost, Gatchina region, calcareous tuff was mined, which has a pleasant yellow color and a soft porous structure. Freshly mined stone is quite soft and easy to process. In the air it hardens, creating durable sculptures. The same Samson Sukhanov was entrusted with carving the figures from Pudost limestone. And the master did not disappoint: for more than 200 years the statues have been admired by St. Petersburg residents and guests of the city. Alas, tuff is not able to withstand the St. Petersburg climate and polluted atmosphere, so now the figures have lost their original light yellow color.
The first restoration of the Rostral columns was carried out at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1928. At the same time, the lost metal parts were restored and the sculpture was cleared of foreign material. According to eyewitnesses, two or three carts of plaster, cement, and plaster were removed from each of the figures, and the columns themselves were painted with oil paints.
The following restoration work took place after the Great Patriotic War. The monument was badly damaged by shelling; some of the decorations were destroyed by shrapnel and had to be replaced. And finally, the last restoration took place in 1998-1999.
Now the monument is available for inspection at any time. Rostral columns always look spectacular: both during white nights and in bright sunlight, both at night with artificial lighting, and in the usual gloomy St. Petersburg rain.
O. MOZGOVAYA, art critic (St. Petersburg)
St. Petersburg is preparing for its 300th anniversary. And as is customary, the city spruces up for the holiday. Restoration work has been underway on the Spit of Vasilievsky Island for several years now. In the 18th century it was one of the most significant places in St. Petersburg. It was convenient for ships to moor here, so in 1733 the port moved here from Beryozovy Island. The Exchange building, Customs, warehouses and other port facilities were erected on the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. At the end of the 18th century, more than a thousand ships came to Strelka annually.
Currently, the port is located on Gutuevsky Island, but the features of maritime grandeur are still preserved on the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. And among them are the Rostral columns.
In Ancient Rome, there was a custom: in honor of naval victories, triumphal columns were erected, decorated with rostra (prows) of enemy ships. In St. Petersburg, the Rostral Columns were built in 1810 according to the design of the French architect Jean Francois Thomas de Thomon. There was a time when columns served as beacons for ships arriving at the port. The height of each column is 32 meters. Spiral staircases located inside lead to the upper platforms, where the tripods for signal lights are located. Hemp oil was burned in braziers upstairs, and hot splashes fell on the heads of passers-by.
In 1896, electricity was supplied to the lamps. But this method of lighting was not used for long “due to the great expense.”
And only for the 250th anniversary of the city, in 1957 (the anniversary was celebrated belatedly), gas was supplied to the columns, and 7-meter-high fire torches blazed in powerful burners. The lights on the Rostral columns are lit only on special occasions. They also lit up on November 30 last year, when the Rostral columns were inaugurated after restoration.
THE SCULPTURE NEEDS PROTECTION
Rostral columns are one of the symbols of St. Petersburg. Triumphal columns are traditionally associated with power and strength. The personification of these qualities were the monumental figures placed at the foot of the columns.
The sculpture decorating the Rostral columns was created in 1810-1811, simultaneously with the entire ensemble, in which the synthesis of arts so characteristic of the era of classicism was fully manifested. Architecture and sculpture form an inextricable unity here, complementing each other.
Initially, the author of the project, Thomas de Thomon, intended to cast the entire sculptural decor in bronze, but due to the complexity of the work, the statues had to be made from Pudost limestone. This material was mined in quarries near St. Petersburg, not far from Gatchina, in the town of Bolshaya Pudost, from which it got its name. Easy to work with immediately after removal from the quarry - it can be cut with a knife, limestone hardens quickly in the open air. The structure of the stone does not allow detailed elaboration of small volumes and polishing of the surface, so a master working with Pudost limestone is deprived of the opportunity to demonstrate to the viewer the effect of conveying the texture of various materials and fine ornamentation. At the same time, Pudost stone has its own specific advantages: durability, a beautiful yellowish-grayish warm tint, which stands out especially effectively against the background of granite blocks and the reddish-ocher color of the columns.
In recent years, it has been established that the French sculptors J. Camberlain and F. Thibault worked on the creation of the sculptures. The first to be executed was the male figure on the northern column, and the rest of the sculptures belong to the hand of Thibault. Upon closer examination of the sculpture, one can notice differences in the style of execution: the work of J. Camberlain differs from the rest in its greater dynamism and complexity of the silhouette.
What do the sculptures represent? The opinion that at the foot of the columns there are allegorical images representing the four Russian rivers (the southern ones are “Volkhov” and “Neva”, the northern ones are “Dnepr” and “Volga”) is not confirmed by documents and arose relatively recently. Thomas de Thomon himself wrote that “the base of each column is decorated with huge figures that symbolize the deities of the sea and commerce.” The attributes of the sculptures are quite meager, and none of them can confirm or completely refute the version that we have before us allegories of specific four rivers.
Pudost limestone, to a greater extent than other rocks, is susceptible to the destructive effects of temperature changes, precipitation, industrial emissions, cold and damp climate. Therefore, sculptures made from Pudost stone have to be restored frequently.
Before the restoration of the sculpture of the Rostral columns, carried out in 1928, the largest specialist in the field of monumental and decorative sculpture, I. V. Krestovsky, wrote: “The sculptures at the time of their restoration, carried out after the October Revolution, turned out to be painted with oil paint, and not just once, but several times.” , and each time with a new color<...>All the Pudozh limestone sculptures were ugly smeared with plaster, cement or plaster, not only in places where they were broken, but also in completely intact places. During the restoration of the stone figures of the Rostral columns, two or three carloads of extraneous cement, plaster and plaster coatings were removed from each of the figures."
However, this critical review did not affect the progress of the repair work, and Krestovsky repeatedly drew attention to the fact that the restoration was again being carried out incorrectly.
During subsequent repairs, usually carried out in a hurry on the eve of anniversaries, iron pins and nails were driven into the stone in places of loss, which served as reinforcement for cement finishing. The destroyed parts of the figures were replaced with new ones, made of cement or carved from another type of stone, and everything was covered with paint.
The state in which the sculpture of the columns was kept for decades is evidenced by the acts preserved in the archives of the State Museum of Urban Sculpture. They were compiled based on the results of inspections carried out before the next stages of restoration. However, unfortunately, during the work carried out from 1928 to 1979, there were no fundamental changes in technology.
No measures were taken to strengthen the Pudost limestone; there was no hydrophobization, that is, protection of the surface of the stone from moisture. The monument continued to deteriorate to the point that the lack of structures to secure the protruding parts led to the fall of these parts. In some places, ferrous metal fittings with traces of deep corrosion were exposed.
AND AGAIN - RESTORATION
In 1996, the question arose about another restoration, since the sculpture was in disrepair.
In Russian art, the closest analogues to the stone images of the Rostral columns can be the figures of Alexander the Great, Achilles, Ajax and Pyrrhus located at the base of the Admiralty tower by the sculptor F. Shchedrin. They are also made of Pudost stone. During the restoration of these sculptures in 1997-1998, Hermitage staff first tested and applied a technique developed by the Spetsproektrestavratsiya research institute. This technique was also used in the restoration of the sculpture of the Rostral Columns, but here the experts were faced with a much more difficult task.
First of all, the sculpture was washed, persistent sooty contaminants formed as a result of the influence of the city atmosphere were removed, and then the biodefeats that covered the surface in many places were neutralized with a special composition.
One of the most important measures taken by the restorers was the removal of late additions. Alien materials differing in their physical properties from the Pudost stone contributed to the destruction of the sculpture. In addition, Kolomna limestone (dolomite), which was used in numerous restorations, has a different color and surface texture than Pudost stone. Therefore, parts of the sculptures made of dolomite were clearly out of place.
The cleaned stone was strengthened, and exact replicas of the lost parts were installed in the damaged areas. They were made according to preserved drawings and photographs that recorded their original appearance. First, the missing parts were made in plasticine, then in plaster, and when the shape of the model was approved by the Restoration Council, they were made in Pudost limestone.
The fastening of missing parts and the elimination of small chips and cracks were carried out with a special composition of lime and marble chips. This mixture, in its porosity and strength, most closely matches natural Pudost stone. The composition of lime and marble chips, used back in the 4th century by architects of the Northern Black Sea region to process architectural limestone parts, is still durable and well compatible with the limestone surface.
Hollow corundum ceramic rods were used to secure the lost elements. The technology for manufacturing the rods was developed at the Institute of Refractories in St. Petersburg. Employees of the Spetsproektrestavratsiya Research Institute proposed using corundum ceramics, usually used in medicine, and in restoration practice. This ceramic is inert to atmospheric influences and has an expansion coefficient close to stone, has high strength and low thermal conductivity. All this eliminates the processes of destruction in the thickness of the stone. Accessible areas of metal parts that cannot be removed or replaced were cleared and painted with an anti-corrosion compound.
The last stage of restoration of the sculpture is tinting and waterproofing. Toning a limestone sculpture is carried out with an aqueous solution of slaked lime. Following this, applying a composition that protects the stone from moisture allows the tinting to firmly adhere to the stone. This method was developed specifically to protect the Pudost stone and has no analogues in world restoration practice.
To save the sculpture of the Rostral Columns, researchers, professional restorers, monument protection officials and patrons joined their efforts. The restoration work was financed by Baltonexim Bank. There is hope that patronage in Russia is being revived.
“St. Petersburg - the city of stone” is the name of a special program to save monumental sculpture. Next up is the restoration of the compositions on the pediment of the Exchange building. The exchange celebrates its anniversary simultaneously with St. Petersburg: in 1703, Peter I signed a decree on the creation of the Russian Exchange.
The tradition of installing rostral columns after victorious battles dates back to ancient Roman times. At all times they have been a symbol of maritime glory.
For many years now, the St. Petersburg Rostra has been a symbol of the city.
The first such structure was installed at the forum in ancient Rome, in honor of the victory over the Carthaginian fleet at the Battle of Myla (First Punic War, 260 BC).
The name Rostral comes from the Latin rostra, which was the plural of rostrum, the bow of a ship.
The rostral columns are located at the most overlooking point in St. Petersburg - on the Spit of Vasilievsky Island.
Opposite is the Peter and Paul Fortress, to the right, across the Neva and Palace Bridge is the Hermitage.
Behind are the buildings of the Exchange and the Kunstkamera.
They were installed simultaneously with the construction of the Exchange building in 1805-1810.
The columns are decorated with rostras made of copper, that is, the bows of captured ships, anchors and naiads.
At the foot there are two statues carved from Pudost stone. The figures symbolize rivers.
The southern rostral column is decorated with a female statue depicting the Neva, and a male statue of the Volkhov. The symbol of the river, a jug with water pouring from it, is held by a male statue.
At the foot of the northern rostral column there are also two statues: the Volga and the Dnieper, and again the symbolic jug is held by a man.
All the statues, with the exception of the Dnieper, were made by the Antwerp master Camberlain; the other three were created by the Frenchman Thibault.
According to the project, the figures were supposed to be made of cast iron, but at the beginning of the 19th century, casting technologies were still weak and there was no craftsman who would take on such complex work.
The original purpose of the Rostral Columns was as lighthouses.
In the dark, they helped find their way to ships entering the St. Petersburg seaport.
On top of each were bowls on metal tripods. Climbing the spiral staircases inside the column, the caretaker poured oil or resin into them and, at dusk, set them on fire.
Gas was supplied only in 1957. Nowadays a fire is sometimes lit here, but this happens only on major holidays.
The rostral columns were restored three times during their existence. The first time this happened was in 1926-1928. Then, immediately after the war, in 1947-1949, when most of the city was destroyed or damaged by bombing.
The last time they were restored was quite recently - in 1998-1999.
All sightseeing tours around St. Petersburg one way or another pass through this place, so it is impossible for a tourist not to see the Rostral Columns.
It is customary to take photographs at the feet of the sculptures; you can sit nearby in an open summer cafe. Well, if you’re unlucky and you come to St. Petersburg in bad weather, you can run to them in the rain. as a last resort, see it from the window of a tourist bus.
This place is especially attractive during the days of white nights and Scarlet Sails. Hundreds of graduates come to Vasilyevsky Island by bus to release thousands and thousands of colorful balloons into the sky on Strelka.
Numerous travel agencies and excursion routes bring hundreds of tourists every day to one of the most popular attractions of the city - to Vasilyevsky Island, the Spit of which with the Rostral columns and the Exchange building we see on thousands of postcards. Regardless of the day of the week, at any time of the day, you can meet newlyweds here who are celebrating the beginning of a new life in the center of their beloved city.
Historical reference
Since the founding of the city, Vasilyevsky Island has played an important part in its life. Strelka (that’s the name of its eastern end) was initially supposed to be built up with houses according to the architects’ design. However, the plan was changed, as Peter the Great decided to make this site one of the centers of business and cultural life of the city. At his behest, the architect designed a new ensemble, which included the buildings of the Kunstkamera, the Exchange, and the Rostral Columns.
According to the idea of Peter the Great, the city began with a building that was supposed to become a center of trade. But since it was quite small, the site of the main actions was moved to Vasilyevsky Island. The arrow played a big role not only in trade affairs, but also in the further development of the city. The Exchange building, customs, and warehouses were moved here, and Gostiny Dvor was erected here.
Exchange
The Exchange building flaunts at the top of everything. It is one of the business cards for which St. Petersburg is known throughout the world. The Spit of Vasilyevsky Island is one of the most important and beautiful sights of the city. It’s pleasant to be here at any time of the year; it offers a beautiful view of the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Neva delta.
The architectural style in which the Exchange building was built is classicism. The architect was J. F. Thomas de Thomon. The space in front of the building was divided into two squares - Kollezhskaya and Birzhevaya. After the construction of the Exchange building, according to the architects' plans, the space in front of it was increased by 100 meters. Thus, a contrast was created between the architectural components and space was created for the approach of ships. Gentle slopes decorated with granite balls lead to the water.
Rostral columns
Another symbol distinguishes Vasilyevsky Island. The arrow is decorated with two which were erected as lighthouses for ships. They were guided by their light when entering the port. The height of the columns is 32 meters. They were symbols of the greatness of the naval power of the state. Their decorations are the bows of ships, and the figures located at the foot symbolize the great rivers - the Volga, Dnieper, Neva and Volkhov.
Currently, one of the most interesting places to visit in the city is Vasilyevsky Island. Strelka offers such interesting museums to visit as Zoological, Soil Science, Literary, Kunstkamera and Central Naval. The Strelka of Vasilievsky Island invites you to see their exhibits and also enjoy the magnificent view. The address of these museums is known to many, so do not forget to visit them.
Not a single excursion to the main attractions of St. Petersburg avoids the Rostral Columns - a unique symbol of Russia’s naval victories. A huge number of people who want to look at these wonderful sculptures come here during the days of the Scarlet Sails and White Nights.
History and features of the columns
To complete the ensemble, when decorating the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, the architect Tom de Thomon in 1810 designed and built two rostral columns. In the 19th century, they served as lanterns to illuminate the port of St. Petersburg.
At the foot, both columns are decorated with 4 huge figures - 2 men and 2 women. You believe that they symbolize the Volkhov, Neva, Dnieper and Volga rivers. The outer part of the monuments is decorated with prows - the rostra of ships. Inside each column is a staircase leading to an observation deck at the very top of the statues. Until 1896, there was a special bowl of hemp oil located here, which, when ignited, produced a column of fire, thanks to which ships found their way to the port at night.
After electricity was supplied to the buildings, the bowls of oil were replaced with light bulbs, but due to reasons of economy, they did not last long. In 1957, gas was supplied to the columns and to this day, when celebrating special events, the fire pillars of the Rostral Columns illuminate the central part of the city.
Interesting facts about the rostral columns
Throughout their history, the columns have been destroyed, restored, and at times even forgotten. Here are the facts known about these huge sea symbols of the city:
- Brickwork and all work related to stone were carried out not by world-famous sculptors, but by a simple person from the people - master S.K. Sukhanov.
- Most people who know about the existence of the columns believe that at first they served as lighthouses. This myth is dispelled by many historians, because lighthouses are not installed on river banks.
- In 1999, the last restoration of the Rostral columns was completed. Masters from the Hermitage were engaged in their restoration.
- On the days of white nights and Scarlet Sails, hundreds of citizens and visiting tourists gather on Palace Square near the columns and release thousands of colorful balls into the sky.
During walking tours of the city, tourists cannot ignore the striking architectural creations. Everyone wants to take a photo at the feet of the sculptures.
comments powered by HyperComments
