In Moscow there are two monuments to Sholokhov. The first is at the intersection of Volgogradsky Prospekt and Volzhsky Boulevard. The second appeared in the Russian capital in 2007. It is installed on Gogolevsky Boulevard. About the monument to Sholokhov, located near the Creative Union of Artists, is described in this article.
Julian Rukavishnikov
The monument to Sholokhov was planned to be installed back in the nineties. It was then that Julian Rukavishnikov began work on a monument depicting the author of The Quiet Don. The works of this sculptor adorn not only the capital, but also other cities. One of them is a monument to Chekhov in Taganrog.
Initially, the monument to Sholokhov was to be located on Zubovsky Square. However, the project was not approved. Work on the monument was continued by the master’s son, no less famous sculptor Alexander Rukavishnikov. Monument to Sholokhov on Gogolevsky Boulevard aroused disapproval of critics. However, like many works of the famous sculptor.
Alexander Rukavishnikov
The sculptor is a regular participant in national and international exhibitions. His work has been installed in Moscow, Vladimir Region, Smolensk, Nizhny Novgorod and other cities of Russia. One of Rukavishnikov’s works is a monument to Lenin in Copenhagen.
In 2000, a sculptural composition depicting the great clown and film actor Yuri Nikulin was installed on Tsvetnoy Boulevard. In 2003, a monument to I. Kobzon was opened in Donetsk. Rukavishnikov is well known both in Russia and abroad.
In Moscow, near the State Russian Library, there is a monument to Dostoevsky, erected in 1997. This work of Rukavishnikov provoked strong criticism. The Russian writer is presented in an unnatural pose, for which Muscovites nicknamed this piece of sculpture "At a reception by a proctologist." The inhabitants of the capital did not appreciate the monument erected on the grave of Vladimir Vysotsky. As for the monument to Sholokhov on Gogolevsky Boulevard, he also has several unofficial names. One of them is the "pet cemetery." What does the monument to Sholokhov look like? Why did he cause a storm of discontent among critics?
Monument to Sholokhov
So, the monument was opened in 2007. The bronze statue depicts a writer, dressed in a quilted jacket, sitting in a boat. Behind Sholokhov - floating horses. Granite horses are conditionally divided into two groups, diverging wedge in different directions.
This sculptural composition today is the main attraction of Gogolevsky Boulevard, not counting the monument depicting the author of "Dead Souls", established here more than sixty years ago.
The monument to Sholokhov is symbolic. Horses, according to the initial idea, were to be painted in white and red. They symbolize a people divided after the revolution into two camps - red and white. Among the swimming animals there is a foal that has not joined any of the “camps”.
The writer is facing Sivtsev Vrazhek, where he lived for many years. At the same time, many believe that the place to install the monument was chosen very poorly. The monument to Sholokhov is very close to Turgenev’s house, which is illogical. In addition, as already mentioned, in Moscow this is the second sculptural composition dedicated to the Soviet prose writer. Sholokhov did not have much to do with Moscow, and therefore, critics believe, one monument is enough.
Sculpture work
Rukavishnikov was greatly assisted by the writer's relatives. They supplied him with photographs, advised. The sculptural composition helped harmoniously fit into the landscape of the boulevard by the architect Voznesensky. Near the monument is a fountain, from where water should flow to the plates with horse heads. This makes the composition more realistic. However, water is extremely rare.
Criticism
The monument has become one of the popular places for amateur photo shoots. Here, guests of the capital are happy to take pictures. However, critics are not silent. The monument, of course, will not be demolished. But the question of moving it to another place is not closed. Residents of nearby areas are accustomed to the monument, they often call it a "slaughterhouse" and a "meat factory".
Rukavishnikov’s opinion of ordinary Muscovites is of little concern. The nicknames that the inhabitants of the capital endowed with his works, in his opinion, illustrate their cultural level.
It is worth saying a few words about the boulevard, where a monument was erected, which caused a storm of indignation more than ten years ago.
Gogolevsky Boulevard
This legendary Moscow street received its modern name in 1924. Previously, it was called Prechistensky Boulevard. Gogolevsky Boulevard has a long history. There are several apartment buildings, which are architectural monuments.
The nearest metro station is Kropotkinskaya. Of course, the main attraction of the boulevard is the monument to Gogol. The monument was erected in 1952. Capital jokers once said that the writer, depicted by the sculptor, is dressed only in the coat of Akaky Akakievich. The author of this monument himself admitted that this is his most unsuccessful work. The opening of the monument was dedicated to the anniversary of the Russian classic.