In the article we will talk about the sculptor Antokolsky. This man became famous for his amazing creations, which became loved by many. How did Mark Matveyevich live, what was his life like? You will find the answers to all these questions in the article.
Childhood
Mark Matveevich Antokolsky was born in 1840, November 2. The last name of the man goes back to the name of the suburb of Vilna Antokola, where the whole family lived. Mark had 8 brothers and sisters. All of them were born into a Jewish family. Mother and father lived rather modestly, as they were not rich people. At the same time, much attention was paid to religion. However, she was not particularly interested in little Mark, who from an early age felt an interest in drawing. Since the boy drew what he wanted and where he wanted, his parents did not take his hobby seriously at first, but then negatively. However, the reason was not only this - they did not want to see the artist in their offspring. Nevertheless, time passed, and the parental heart softened as they looked at the efforts of their child. When Mark grew up and already clearly had a talent for drawing, he was sent to study with a woodcarver. The guy quickly learned and soon even surpassed his teacher. After some time, many already knew about the talented youth.
The future sculptor Antokolsky became interested in the wife of Vilnius General V. Nazimov, who helped young talents. It was thanks to her perseverance and connections that Mark was accepted to study at the Academy of Arts. He was allowed to become a volunteer in a sculpture class.
First achievements
Already in 1864, Mark Matveevich Antokolsky received a silver medal for the high-relief “Jewish Tailor” created by him. After another four years of hard work, the guy receives a gold award for a high relief called "Mean".
By the way, already during his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts, the guy was fluent in Russian, and was also actively interested in Russian literature and history. It should be borne in mind that he spoke Yiddish at home. Carried away by Russian culture, he creates the statue of Ivan the Terrible in 1970, which lifts him almost to heaven - the young sculptor Antokolsky receives the title of academician in his educational institution. Princess Maria Nikolaevna, who was the patroness of the Academy of Arts, was indescribably delighted at the sight of Mark's work. It was she who spoke about the talented young man to Emperor Alexander II, whom the statue influenced in the same way. He even decided to purchase it for the Hermitage and gave 8 thousand rubles for work, which at that time was a huge amount of money.
Maturity
Antokolsky Mark Matveyevich, whose biography we are considering, after graduating from the Academy decided to go to Paris and Rome. By the way, in those days it was a common thing for graduates. So to speak, practice. It was believed that in order for a person to become a good master and be able to bring something new, he had to see the works of the best creators in the original and completely plunge into the cultural atmosphere. The monument to Peter 1 in Taganrog was conceived by the sculpture during his studies at the Academy, but he began work on it only in Rome. In parallel, the man becomes a corresponding member of the Paris Academy. Already in 1878 he showed his best creations at the World Exhibition, held in Paris. By the way, the monument to Peter 1 in Taganrog is considered just one of the best.
The sculptor Antokolsky received the highest possible award and the Order of the Legion of Honor. After some time, the man was already a corresponding member of a number of academies in Western Europe: London, Vienna, Berlin, etc.
Later years
In 1889, a man creates the statue of Nestor the Chronicler. After 2 years, the sculptor completes two more significant works: a bronze statue of Ermak and the majolica Yaroslav the Wise.
In addition to sculpture, Mark has written a lot in recent years. His articles on art have been published by various European magazines. In 1887, his Autobiography was published, and shortly before his death, he wrote the novel Ben Isaac, which devoted the life of Jews.
After the death of a great man, the book “Mark Matveevich Antokolsky. His life, work, letters and articles. ”
Antokolsky died in Frankfurt, but some claim that he surrendered to heaven in the town of Bad Homburg. He was buried at the Transfiguration of the Jewish cemetery in St. Petersburg. It is worth noting that since childhood, a man was a believer, which he remained until the end of his days, observing the customs of Judaism. The tombstone is decorated with images of the scroll of the Torah, menorah and the Star of David.
A family
As for the family, the sculptor did not have a wife or children. His family is considered niece Elena Tarhanova, who was also an artist. The woman was married to the famous physiologist Ivan Tarhanov. They were soul mates with Antokolsky, therefore they always kept in touch, together experienced creative crises.
Interesting Facts
The sculptures of Mark Matveyevich Antokolsky are very famous. Such a talented person had many followers. Two of them are Boris Schatz and Ilya Gunzburg.
The first Russian-made sculpture, which was purchased in the West, was Antokolsky’s work “Tsar John the Terrible”. The work was acquired at the Kensington Museum.
In Jerusalem there is a street that is named after M. Antokolsky.
Ermak and Ivan the Terrible
Consider one of the most interesting sculptures of Mark Matveyevich Antokolsky - “Ermak”. To begin with, it is worth saying that all his sculptures were performed in the style of realism, which is why they are so attractive. In addition, I want to note the accuracy and clarity of his creations. Antokolsky began work on Ermak in 1881. Ermak Timofeevich is a historical figure. The famous Ataman Cossack, who led the conquest of Siberia for the Russian state. It is not surprising that Mark, who was so interested in Russian history, was attracted by the figure of Ermak. And the idea itself was brought to him by a round date - the centenary of the conquest of Siberia. At the same time, the official order for the creation of the sculpture came “from above”.
Despite the fact that there were enough descriptions of this hero in the literature, Antokolsky wanted to convey a lively image, show emotions. He was faced with the task of creating an image that would personify the strength of spirit of the entire Russian people. Amazingly, Mark Matveevich really managed to recreate all this in the facial features of one single person. The huge figure of a man is striking in its size and power. It is noteworthy that the warrior's armor is made with great accuracy and historical authenticity. A lot of effort and time was spent on creating this marvelous sculpture, but it was worth it.
The statue of "Ivan the Terrible" was the first large-scale work of a man. This creation is made with unusual attention to the smallest details. The king sits on a high throne, his shoulders are covered with a soft coat, and at his feet is power over the whole country. It is amazing how in one sculpture Mark Antokolsky was able to depict almost everything that a person experienced and what was important to him. During his reign, the king had to go through a lot, which made him terrified in his old age. However, it is very difficult for the king to admit his mistakes, which is why his back is tilted, making him look like a gloomy old man. Despite the recognition of his sins, he cannot ask for forgiveness, which makes it even harder for him.
Mark Matveevich Antokolsky: "Death of Socrates"
The idea was born at the author in 1874. It is known that many of the works of this creator are filled with inner drama, especially for statues of ancient thinkers. This work was created in 1877.
Socrates had a choice: to renounce his views or die. The thinker chose the second path. The task of the sculpture was to depict the persistent fading of life and the greatness of the moral deed. Mark Matveyevich himself said that he wanted to create a sculpture at the time of Socrates' death in order to depict the great tragedy of how a person dies for his ideas.
We talked about the life and career of the sculptor Antokolsky. His life path was full of not only bright events, but also obstacles. Despite some internal conflicts, the man stubbornly walked forward and did what he loved, bringing him to perfection.