The Bronze Horseman at Senate Square is not the only monument to Peter the Great in St. Petersburg, but undoubtedly the most famous, long-standing symbol of the Northern Capital. Already at the end of the 18th century a lot of urban legends and anecdotes were associated with him, and in the 19th century the Bronze Horseman liked to be mentioned in his works by poets of that time.
According to the idea of ​​Catherine II, who ordered the sculpture, and its consultants, Voltaire and Diderot, Peter was to appear in the solemn appearance of the Roman emperor-victor with a staff and a scepter in his hands. However, the French sculptor Etienne Falcone, invited to work on the monument, dared to argue with crowned people and showed the world to another Peter, without detracting from his military talents or his title of wise ruler.
After 16 years of work, August 7, 1782 . in the old style on a huge pedestal the equestrian statue of the young king was solemnly erected . The monument became the first one installed on the city square . Petro confidently sits on a stalled horse, covered with a bear hide . An animal personifies a rebellious, nev the people who surrendered to the emperor . The hoofs of the horse crushed a huge snake symbolizing the opponents of reforms, and also serves as additional support for the construction . The figure of the king himself expresses strength, desire and steadfastness . On a granite block, by order of Catherine the Great, two languages, Russian and Latin: "Peter I Ekaterina II of the summer 1782" .
An interesting story is connected with the stone on which the monument is erected. It was found by the peasant Semyon Vishnyakov at a distance of about 9 km from the square. The place of installation of the Thunder-stone monument was delivered with the help of a truly unique device for the time, working on the principle of bearing. Initially, the lump weighed about 1600 tons. Then, under the Falcone project, it was carved and shaped like a wave, personifying the power of Russia as a maritime power.
And many stories and tales still go around the emperor's gesture . Peter's right hand is imperiously extended forward, left he firmly holds the reins . Some say that the hand points down to the place where "the city will be laid" . Others believe that Peter is looking towards Sweden, the country with which he has fought so long and stubbornly . @ In the 19th century one of the most interesting versions of . was born. She claims that she is right I Peter's hand is actually facing the Neva . The left-hand Loktom points out pointing towards the Senate, which served as the Supreme Court in the 19th century . The interpretation of the gesture is as follows: it's better to drown in the Neva than to sue in the Senate . Uzh very corrupt it was at that time institution .
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| Bronze Horseman |
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| The Bronze Horseman |
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| Bronze Horseman outlines at sunset |