Nikolai Aleksandrovich Lvov, whose biography and creativity are the subject of this review - the largest figure in Russian culture of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Traditionally, he is considered an architect, however, in addition to construction, he made a significant contribution to the development of other branches of knowledge. He was a poet, playwright, engraver, well versed in geology, chemistry, Old Russian literature and folklore. In a word, this was a representative of his time, when the ideas of enlightenment were widely spread in Russia among the nobility intelligentsia.
Review of the era
Lvov Nikolay was a bright personality of Catherine's rule. At this time, the socio-political thought of the country was dominated by the idea that enlightenment and education could significantly change the conditions for the country's development for the better. This is a time of searching for new ideas and solutions in all areas of culture. Russia, having become one of the leading European states, has actively mastered the world achievements in art. There were not many scientists in these decades, but real researchers were, in fact, universal, i.e. understood at the same time well in all areas of knowledge. A striking example of this is the personality and activity of Lomonosov. Such people set the tone for cultural development in many ways. Their influence on socio-political thought was enormous. To such a galaxy belonged Lvov Nikolai.
Briefly about the biography
The future famous architect and cultural figure was born in 1751 in the Tver province. He belonged to an impoverished noble family. He was educated in St. Petersburg, in the Izmailovsky regiment, where officers were trained. However, already at that time Lviv Nikolai showed interest in humanitarian disciplines, as well as in construction. He even organized a circle of literature lovers in a regiment, which was quite typical for the time when nobles interested in a particular area united in circles in various directions. It is significant that Lvov Nikolai did not receive special education, however, when a competition for the construction of the cathedral was organized, it was his project that won. Catherine II herself approved of it, because at that time she contributed to the spread of new trends in architecture.
The merits of the young and talented architect were highly appreciated: he became a member of the Russian Academy, and later became a member of the Academy of Fine Arts. In addition, he worked in the College of Foreign Affairs, which allowed him to travel and get acquainted with the achievements of world culture. In the last years of his life, the architect was accused of embezzlement of public funds, an investigation began against him. This undermined his health, and in 1803 he died.
Features of creativity
Russian architecture of the second half of the 18th century began to gradually move away from the Baroque, moving to the classical style. It was in this direction that Lviv worked. He was a supporter of the work of the Italian architect Palladio, who was the brightest representative of a new direction in art. He even translated his books into Russian, which indicated a transition to the classical style of construction. The projects of Lviv provided for simple, restrained lines of buildings. He abandoned the splendor of the previous style and turned to more rigorous compositions.
Provincial buildings
The city of Torzhok is known for the fact that in it the architect created one of his most famous buildings - the gate church of the Borisoglebsky Monastery. Its design is simple and restrained. White color gives a special beauty. The architect also built temples in other cities. So, according to his project, the church of St. Catherine the Great Martyr was built in the city of Valdai. In addition, Lviv erected and secular buildings. He is famous for having designed a number of noble estates, the design of which showed his talent as a designer. It was here that he managed to prove himself not only as an architect, but was able to demonstrate his abilities in organizing a garden and park ensemble. So, he rebuilt his family estate Nikolskoye-Cherenchitsy.
Buildings in the capital
The architectural monuments of St. Petersburg include several works belonging to Lviv. This is the Neva Gate of the Peter and Paul Fortress, as well as the building of the capital's post office. At this time, the architect was actively working on the construction of private mansions. The largest and most famous figures of that time placed orders for him, which testified to the recognition that came to him at a very young age. He created the Church of the Holy Trinity. The initiative belonged to Prince Vyazemsky, and construction was completed in 1790. In addition, Nikolai Aleksandrovich Lvov built a castle in Gatchina.
Innovations
The architect made a great contribution to the development of earth construction. He even founded a school in which they specially taught this type of building. In addition, Lviv was interested in the problems of ventilation and heating. For his time, his achievements were very progressive. Also, the architect was engaged in geology and found a number of deposits on the Valdai Upland. A wide range of interests and interest in everything new determined the author’s innovative approach to construction. Its designs differed from the Baroque buildings and attracted by its simple, graceful and restrained lines.
Other areas of activity
Lviv became famous not only as a talented architect, but also as a scientist, writer and poet. He was fond of Old Russian folklore, found and published an ancient chronicle, which in science has since been called his last name. Nikolai Aleksandrovich Lvov collected folk songs and published them as a separate edition, accompanied by their musical design. He himself was the author of a number of literary works: he wrote poems (in the epic spirit), as well as libretto, operas, which were widely popular.
The architect was a talented artist, draftsman and engraver. He himself engraved his own sketches and sketches. We have already mentioned his fascination with mineralogy.
Russian architecture was enriched by its architectural achievements. Thus, the activity of Lviv is a whole stage of development in Russian culture, which is of great importance for understanding the characteristics of the era as a whole.
The value of creativity
The works of Lviv should be seen in the context of their time. The fact is that in the second half of the 18th century, many educated nobles simultaneously devoted themselves to several specialties and occupations at once. In principle, this was a peculiar trend of the time. And in addition to Lomonosov, who was a very versatile person, Lviv also occupies a prominent place in this series.
His work is a vivid example of the multi-faceted personality and broad-mindedness that was characteristic of representatives of the intelligentsia of Catherine’s time. An indicator of recognition by the architect is the fact that the city of Torzhok has become the site of his monument.