The development of secular painting dates from the 18th century. Along with it, such a form of art as sculpture became widespread. The sculpture was something new, previously unknown. It was believed that this demonic manifestation - the Orthodox Church promoted this statement to the masses.
Sculpture, as an art form, differs in that it is a three-dimensional image. Not only portrait genre, like the bust of Peter 1 Rastrelli, but also everyday, mythological and animalistic (the image of animals) became widespread. And also allegorical (the embodiment of ideas and concepts through images), historical and other genres of painting. This article presents such a genre of sculpture as a portrait, on the example of the work of Carlo Bartolomeo Rastrelli - a bust of Peter 1.
A bit about the sculptor
Rastrelli is an 18th century Italian sculptor. Initially, he lived at the court of Louis XIV, and in 1716 he was invited by Peter I to Petersburg, where he was engaged in decorative work and cast guns.
The first creation of the sculptor was a bust of A. D. Menshikov, who is now in the Hermitage. Rastrelli also created sculptures on the fables of the famous ancient Greek poet Aesop.
Other sculptures of Rastrelli have survived to our days, such as: a bronze statue of Anna Ioannovna and a bronze bust of Peter I.
Bronze bust of Peter 1 (Rastrelli)
This sculpture is considered original, since the figure is depicted to the waist, while the bust is a breast image of a person. It was not by chance that Rastrelli executed the sculpture in exactly this way - thereby he wanted to raise the figure of Peter 1 - so that he was perceived solemnly and majestically.
If you carefully examine the emperor’s robe, you will notice that he is depicted in armor. Everything is in the best traditions of that time (generals, kings and statesmen were depicted in armor). The plate depicts a stone carving scene of a female figure in armor. Also depicted are the scepter and power, which symbolize the renewed Russia. The second plate depicts a battle scene - the Battle of Poltava, which demonstrated the full power of the Russian army.
On the emperor’s chest you can see the ribbon of St. Andrew the First-Called. The Order of St. Andrew the First-Called until 1917 was considered the highest award of the Russian Empire. It was approved in 1698 by Peter 1 himself.
On the shoulders of the emperor is depicted an ermine mantle with floral ornaments. It is made in large folds, as if falling from the shoulder, which demonstrates the parade and the presence of movement.
Carefully examining the bust of Peter 1 (Rastrelli), you can see how accurately the sculptor depicted the texture of objects. Noticeable is the lightness of the lace scarf, the luster of the emperor’s lat, the velvety mantle on the shoulders.
The bust of Peter 1 (Rastrelli), a photo of which is attached to the article, is intended for three-dimensional inspection. If you look at it in front, you can see the prominent nose, and on the left Peter appears as a strong-willed person. If you look at the sculpture on the right, then traces of fatigue and anxiety are noticeable.
Interesting Facts
The basis for the sculpture is the head of Peter the Great from plaster, which was made in 1721. There is another version of the bust of Peter 1 (Rastrelli). In 1724, the casting of the busts was completed, and the bronze bust was made in a new Roman style. The second was cast in a Caesarian manner. Rastrelli received permission to execute busts of Peter the Great with the help of Italian architect Nicola Michetti.
Second bust
This sculpture is a bust of the emperor Peter the Great in the vestments of the Roman emperor. By tradition, Peter the Great is depicted with a naked neck and in armor, from which a tunic sticks out. The head of the Gorgon jellyfish is depicted on the armor, her face is distorted by a grimace of anger, and snakes wriggle on her head. Her mouth is open in a cry of anger and intimidation. The depicted jellyfish Gorgon is considered the pearl of skill of a Russian architect of Italian origin.
A bust made of lead and covered with gilding is now stored in Copenhagen. Such busts were presented to foreigners of noble origin. One of the busts of Rastrelli presented to the Duke of Holstein. Another bust was donated by Peter the Great to Frederick IV himself - now he is also in Denmark.
Unsaved work of the great master
Rastrelli was not only a sculptor, but also an architect. He owns the first project of the famous Konstantinovsky Palace in Steln. Under the leadership of Bartolomeo Carlo Rastrelli, work began on digging canals and planting trees, but the project was handed over to French-born architect Jean-Baptiste Lebrun.
Also, a bronze bust of the Russian officer Sergei Leontyevich Bukhvostov, who in 1683 was the first to enlist in the Preobrazhensky regiment of Peter the Great, did not reach our days. This bust was made by order of the emperor himself.
In addition to this, in 1952, the Dubok fountain cracker, which is located near the Monpresier Alley, was restored. This fountain consists of five tulips and a tree made of metal. Water sprays from them.
Conclusion
Bartolomeo Carlo Rastrelli in the bust of Peter 1 solved a very difficult task - he showed the emperor not only from the point of view of parade, but also as a person with unshakable willpower and unbending character.
This bust can be viewed from two points of view. On the one hand, the sculptor depicted the great emperor as a typical figure in the era of transformation, various social changes. On the other hand, we have a person with a complex character, with his own anxieties and feelings. Rastrelli portrayed not only a politician, but also a personality.