When was the golden age of Russian culture. 19th century – the “golden age” of Russian culture

19th century – the golden age of Russian culture

The 19th century became turning point for the Russian people. Patriotic War of 1812, Decembrist uprising in 1825, serfdom and the reform to abolish it (1861) - events that changed public consciousness and determined further development Russian culture.

The heroic feat of the Russian people is not limited to time frames, having eternal glory. But why is the 19th century so often called the “golden age” in Russian history?

Background of the Golden Age

The Patriotic War of 1812 awakened patriotism and pride in the Russian people for their fatherland and for its defenders native land who managed to defeat the strongest enemy and defend both national freedom and freedom European peoples. The war also had a strong impact on art: works of the XIX centuries are often dedicated military theme(novel “War and Peace” by L.N. Tolstoy and others). The movement of the Decembrists - the Russian nobility who advocated liberation ideas - caused a strong rise in social and philosophical thought.

Education and science

IN early XIX century, the government, which had previously held conservative views regarding education, carried out a reform that involved the education of not only the upper classes, but also the lower classes of society. Under Alexander I, a four-tier education system was created, including schools, colleges, gymnasiums, and universities; as a result, education became available to peasants, artisans, merchants, townspeople and other townspeople. The democratization of education and public enlightenment led to increased literacy levels and rapid scientific progress.

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Russian science flourished in the 19th century. The discoveries and achievements of the great Russian scientists of this period made a significant contribution to the development of natural and humanities: physics (V.V. Petrov, E.H. Lenz), chemistry (D.M. Mendeleev, N.N. Zinin), biology, medicine (N.I. Pirogov, N.F. Sklifosovsky), astronomy ( V. Ya. Struve; the Pulkovo Observatory was opened in 1839), mathematics (N. I. Lobachevsky, A. A. Markov), geography (F. F. Bellingshausen, M. P. Lazarev, whose expedition in 1820 discovered Antarctica ), history (N.M. Karamzin - “History of the Russian State”; publication in 1800 of the chronicle “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign”), linguistics (V.I. Dal - “ Dictionary Great Russian language"), etc.

Music, painting, theater

The Golden Age also affected the arts. Music achieved extraordinary success in the person of Russian composers M. I. Glinka and P. I. Tchaikovsky. Ballets by P. I. Tchaikovsky " Swan Lake", "The Nutcracker", "Sleeping Beauty" - masterpieces of the world musical art. Russian has become famous throughout the world art thanks to the painters K. P. Bryullov, I. E. Repin, V. I. Surikov. The Russian theater rose to unprecedented heights, to which playwright A. N. Ostrovsky contributed. In addition, in the 19th century they opened state theaters: Small and Grand Theatre s in Moscow, Alexandrinsky and Mariinsky theaters in St. Petersburg, which are still centers theatrical arts Russia and the world.

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Literature of the Golden Age

The "Golden Age" is associated with the development of Russian national culture, but mainly received this name due to the flourishing fiction, which later became a classic.

Literature of the early 19th century. based on the experience of the previous century. The artistic movements that prevailed in the Golden Age were classicism, sentimentalism, romanticism, and realism.

The symbol of the golden age of Russian literature is the brilliant poet of world significance, playwright, thinker, founder of the modern literary language A. S. Pushkin. In the novel by A. S. Pushkin “Eugene Onegin” all aspects of Russian life are reflected. The author depicted the traditions of the era: features folk life, interests and values ​​of society, life of the noble intelligentsia.

The role of A. S. Pushkin in the culture of Russia is so great that the first third of the 19th century was originally called the golden age. - the writer's lifetime. Subsequently, the term “golden age” began to be used to refer to the literature of the entire 19th century, which also became famous for the names of N.V. Gogol, F.M. Dostoevsky, L.N. Tolstoy, M.Yu. Lermontov, I.S. Turgenev, A.P. Chekhov and others. The works of writers of the Golden Age are united by the ideas of humanism. Considering socially meaningful questions(the meaning of life, good and evil, freedom, patriotism) the authors were the great thinkers of the era. Freedom Singers highlighted the issue difficult conditions life of the people, caring for the welfare ordinary people. The works of the golden age are aimed at educating society, awakening conscience and moral values in every thinking person.

Do these data correspond to the definition of the 19th century as the “golden age” in the history of Russian culture? Formulate problematic issue (author’s version – p. 368).

Study the text and explain what achievements of Russian scientists in different areas do you think are the most important for the country and the world? Why?

System of non-Euclidean geometry by Nikolai Ivanovich Lobachevsky. He was able to refute dogmas that were considered immutable since the times Ancient Greece, made a revolution in his science. 20th century research about outer space, where the laws of linear geometry do not apply.

Works on lighting using an electric arc by Vasily Vladimirovich Petrov. Life changed completely when a person no longer had to adjust to the sunset and sunrise, its very rhythm became different. Today, cities with the most dynamic economies are distinguished by the fact that business activity there does not stop around the clock. But all this is possible only thanks to electric lighting.

Nikolai Ivanovich Pirogov’s use of anesthesia immediately made it possible to make a giant leap in medicine. It became possible to perform previously unimaginable operations because the patient no longer experienced pain. Today surgery can work miracles, for example, replacing organs with donor ones, but all this was not possible without anesthesia.

Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin’s “History of the Russian State” was important for the country. She not only told the nobility about the past of their country, but also aroused interest in history as such, “opened” it, in the words of A.S. Pushkin. But scientific value this work is not so great. According to later historians, the same P.N. Miliukov (who was also the leader of the Cadet Party at the beginning of the twentieth century), the works of August Schlözer, published somewhat earlier, had a much greater influence on the development of this science. Karamzin was not critical of the sources, while Schlözer was already trying to highlight the layers of different centuries in the chronicles.

Until the 19th century, Russian science seriously lagged behind European science. But during the “golden age” it became on par with the world. Many of her achievements were advanced not only for Russia itself, but also for the whole world. The same Lobachevsky geometry is still widely used throughout the world. The works of the Russian scientist laid the foundation for a whole trend in world science. That age was not called “golden” for nothing.

Study the text and formulate what moral ideas, ideals, values ​​determined the flourishing of Russian literature first half of the 19th century century?

At the beginning of the 19th century, a hero appeared in Russian literature who serves not the state, but his ideals, what he considers right. Another image is an active struggle for one’s ideals against circumstances as a whole. That is, the heroes of Russian literature of the Romantic era are one way or another searching for the truth. Usually these searches are tragic, as it should be during the time of romanticism, when the confrontation between genius and the crowd was glorified throughout Europe. The search for truth did not stop in the era of realism, only the author began to look for it mainly through the actions of his heroes.

Draw a conclusion about the legitimacy of the name “golden age”.

During this period, such great poets and writers as Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol and others, who are today considered classics, worked. The phrase “Pushkin is our everything” is correct. In addition, they reformed the Russian literary language, made it less heavy. The works of that time are easy to read, like modern ones, while the works of the previous century are frankly difficult to perceive precisely because of the language. Figures XIX centuries created the Russian language that we use today. That age was not called “golden” for nothing.

Using facts, prove that the ideas of patriotism and nationality are clearly heard in Russian art.

Glinka writes such a patriotic work as “Life for the Tsar,” the title of which alone explains everything. Pompous architecture is being created, designed to glorify Russia. The Cathedrals of St. Isaac's and Christ the Savior, by their size alone, speak of the greatness of the country that built them. There were also quite a few patriotic works in literature, the most famous example which is Pushkin’s ode to “Slanderers of Russia”.

Why do you think Russian art addressed these topics?

Victory in progress Patriotic War 1812, and then the success of the foreign campaign, Russian troops in Paris and the salvation of Europe caused a rise in patriotism, which lasted for a long time. It was then that they were created greatest works. Later, patriotism was supported by the ideology of the official nationality, but this had a detrimental effect on culture.

Draw a conclusion about the legitimacy of the name “golden age”.

Painting, music and architecture in Russia during this period also reached the world level. It’s not for nothing that the painting “The Last Day of Pompeii” won a competition in Italy. Russian painting of that time is still highly rated throughout the world. Then works are created that make up a significant part cultural heritage our country. That age was not called “golden” for nothing.

Discuss the best achievements of Russian culture from the perspective of supporters of romanticism and realism.

From the position of realism, romanticism shows an ideal that is unattainable and often tragic. In the search for this ideal, one manages to forget about the vices of society.

On the other hand, from the point of view of romanticism, only the ideal is worthy of attention. Art that reveals the vices of society is ugly, because what it shows is ugly.

The 19th century in Russian history was a direct continuation of the previous one. Russia continued to expand its territories.

The transformations begun by Peter I also continued. Russia was slowly and as if reluctantly emerging from its medieval past and becoming increasingly drawn into New time.

The most profound and impressive changes occurred in spiritual culture. In this area, the 19th century became a time of unprecedented rise and prosperity for Russia. The main credit for this belongs to two great Russian writers - F.M. Dostoevsky And L.N. Tolstoy. Acquaintance with their work was a real discovery, revelation and shock for the West. Their enormous success contributed to the elevation of the authority of the entire Russian spiritual culture, strengthening its influence and rapid spread throughout the world.

IN material culture, economic and socio-political areas, Russia's achievements were more modest. Already in the first half of the 19th century. Domestic mechanical engineering is being born in Russia. Steam engines are becoming widespread. The first steamship appears (1815). The first railway began operating between Moscow and St. Petersburg (1851). The basis of the emerging industry is the rapidly developing metallurgy (Ural). The textile industry is developing successfully. The growth of industry contributes to the growth of cities and an increase in their population. Cities are increasingly beginning to dominate the countryside.

The persistence of serfdom and autocracy hinder socio-political development. The reform of 1861, which abolished serfdom, changed the situation somewhat. However, its impact was limited. The system of autocracy remained virtually untouched. At the same time, the same factors had a stimulating effect on spiritual life. They encouraged the Russian intelligentsia to again and again pose and seek answers to questions that had become eternal for them: “Who is to blame?”, “What to do?”.

The main events that determined the development of Russian XIX culture century, there were the Patriotic War of 1812, the Decembrist uprising of 1825, serfdom and the reform of 1861 to abolish it.

Patriotic War of 1812 caused an increase national identity and an unprecedented rise of patriotism. It awakened in Russians a sense of pride in their fatherland, in their people, who managed to defend not only their national freedom, but also the freedom of European peoples. All this contributed to a noticeable weakening and disappearance of extreme forms of admiration for everything Western that took place in the upper strata of Russian society. Many artists dedicated their works to the theme of war. As an example, we can point to L. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace”.

The Patriotic War was one of the reasons for the emergence Decembrism - movements of the Russian revolutionary nobility. The Decembrists were deeply disappointed with the results of the war, believing that the Russian people who won it did not gain anything for themselves. Having defended the freedom of others, he himself remained in “slavery and ignorance.” Based on the liberation ideas of Western philosophers and influenced by the French and American revolutions, the Decembrists set radical goals for their movement: the overthrow or limitation of autocracy, the abolition of serfdom, the establishment of a republican or constitutional system, the abolition of estates, the establishment of individual and property rights, etc. They viewed the implementation of these tasks as fulfilling a “duty to the people.”

The uprising caused a powerful upsurge of social and philosophical thought. A.S. expressed his closeness to the ideas and spirit of Decembrism in his work. Pushkin. One of the central themes of Russian social and philosophical thought was the theme of choosing the path of development, the theme of the future of Russia. She tormented the Decembrists and was inherited by two important currents of Russian thought - Westernism and Slavophilism. Both movements rejected the existing regime of autocracy and serfdom, but they deeply diverged in their understanding of the ways to rebuild Russia.

Westerners - among whom were P.V. Annenkov, V.P. Botkin, T.N. Granovsky - stood on the position of rationalism: they highly appreciated Peter's reforms, advocated the development of Russia along the Western path, considering it universal and inevitable for all peoples. Westerners were supporters of European education, science and enlightenment, the determining role of laws and rights in the organization of public life.

Slavophiles, who were represented by I.S. and K.S. Aksakovs, I.V. and P.V. Kireevskie. A.S. Khomyakov, on the contrary, stood on the positions of cultural relativism and Orthodoxy. They negatively assessed Peter's reforms, which, in their opinion, disrupted the natural evolution of Russia. Slavophiles rejected the Western European path of development, insisted on the original development of Russia, and emphasized its religious, historical, cultural and national identity.

Slavophiles (I.V. Kireevsky, A.S. Khomyakov, K.S. Aksakov, etc.) laid the foundation for the development of an original and original Russian philosophy, the basis of which is not Western rationalism, but Orthodox religiosity.

In the knowledge of truth, Western philosophy gives preference to reason. Slavophiles develop the concept of the integrity of the spirit, according to which all human abilities participate in cognition - feelings, reason and faith, as well as will and love.

Sobornost opposes individualism and disunity. Considering freedom, the Slavophiles emphasized its conditioning by internal motives and motivations and rejected its dependence on external circumstances. A person in his actions and deeds must be guided by his conscience, spiritual, and not material interests.

The main regulator of relations between people should be true faith and the true Church, so the Slavophiles looked skeptically at legal forms regulation of people's behavior. They were convinced that it was Russian Orthodoxy most fully embodies truly Christian principles, while Catholicism and Protestantism have moved away from the true faith.

In this regard, they put forward the idea of ​​Russia's messianic role in the salvation of humanity. The ideas of Slavophilism had a great influence on the subsequent development of Russian philosophy; they were continued in ideology of pochvennichestvo, one of the main representatives of which was F. Dostoevsky.

Russian literature XIX V.

The main directions of Russian art were sentimentalism, romanticism and realism.

Founder and central figure sentimentalism was in Russia N.M. Karamzin. In the story " Poor Lisa“he clearly showed the characteristic features of this direction in art: attention to to the common man revealing his inner world of feelings and experiences, praising the “natural simplicity” of the patriarchal way of life.

Romanticism had much greater influence and distribution. There were several trends in it: the theme of citizenship, patriotism and freedom (most strongly expressed in the works of the Decembrist poets: K.F. Ryleev, A.I. Odoevsky, V.K. Kuchelbecker. Civil and freedom-loving motives are also heard in the works of A. A. Delviga, I.I. Kozlova, N.M. Yazykova), depths and condition spiritual world with a touch of fantasy and melancholy constitute the content of V.A.’s works. Zhukovsky and K.N. Batyushkov, philosophical lyrics, deep psychologism, Slavophile ideas and reverent love for Russia found expression in the works of F.I. Tyutchev and V.F. Odoevsky.

By the beginning of the 1830s. in Russian literature it is stated realism and becomes the main focus. In its formation important role played by the creativity of A.S. Griboedova And AND.A. Krylova. However, the greatest names of Russian realism, of all Russian literature and culture are A.S. Pushkin, F.M. Dostoevsky and L.N. Tolstoy.

A.S. Pushkin became the founder of Russian literature, the creator of the Russian literary language. His early works are “Ruslan and Lyudmila”, “Gypsies”, “ Prisoner of the Caucasus"and others - are in line with romanticism. Then he moves to the position of realism. In poetry he acts as a singer of freedom. In the novel “Eugene Onegin” he paints large-scale pictures of Russian life. The tragedy "Boris Godunov" and the story "The Captain's Daughter" are dedicated to significant events in the history of Russia.

A.S. Pushkin was not only a great artist, but also an outstanding historian and thinker. In a dispute with P. Chaadaev, he gives a more subtle, deep and convincing understanding of the place and role of Russia in world history. Critically assessing the Asian ignorance, wild tyranny and violence, and lack of rights of the people existing in Russia, he opposes violent methods of changing the existing situation.

F.M. Dostoevsky and L.N. Russian literature and culture owe their world fame and recognition to Tolstoy. In my creativity F.M.Dostoevsky struggled with what he defined as “the mystery of man.” His main works are devoted to solving this mystery - “Crime and Punishment”, “The Idiot”, “The Brothers Karamazov”, etc. In them he examines the problems of the meaning of life, good and evil, goals and means of achievement, faith and disbelief, freedom and responsibility, passion and duty. With his work he had a huge impact on such philosophical movements as existentialism And personalism, to all modern spiritual culture.

In the works of L.N. Tolstoy One of the central themes is the search for a moral ideal and the meaning of life. This theme runs through almost all of his works - the novels “Anna Karenina”, “Resurrection”, the story “The Death of Ivan Ilyich”, etc. In the grandiose epic “War and Peace” Tolstoy examines the origins of the victory of the Russian people in the war of 1812, which he sees in the extraordinary rise of the patriotic spirit.

Tolstoy is the creator of religious and philosophical teachings, the basis of which is the development of the “true religion” of universal love, goodness and non-violence. He had a huge influence on world literature and culture.

Among the great Russian writers who received global recognition, also apply M.. Lermontov, N.V. Gogol, I.WITH. Turgenev, I.A. Goncharov, A.P. Chekhov.

Along with literature, the Russian music. Many people gravitate towards romanticism. The leading genre is romance. He is represented by A.A. Alyabyev, P.P. Bulakhov. A.E. Varlamov, A.N. Verstovsky, A.L. Gurilev et al.

The greatest names in Russian musical art are M.I. Glinka And G1.I. Chaikovsky. Glinka is the founder of Russian classical music. His main works are the operas “A Life for the Tsar” and “Ruslan and Lyudmila”. With his compositions “Kamarinskaya”, “Spanish Overtures” and others, the composer laid the foundations of Russian symphonism.

Chaikovsky. It is to him that she primarily owes her world fame. His most famous operas are Eugene Onegin and Queen of Spades" The ballets “Swan Lake”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “The Nutcracker” received worldwide recognition. He created six symphonies, several piano and violin concertos.

Made a huge contribution to the development of Russian and world musical culture "The Mighty Handful" - a group of outstanding Russian composers, which included M.A. Balakirev (leader), A.P. Borodin, Ts.A. Cui, M.P. Mussorgsky and N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov.

The successful development of Russian music was facilitated by the opening of conservatories in St. Petersburg (1862) and Moscow (1866).

Russian painting and art XIX V.

Great achievements have also been noted in the development of fine arts, especially painting. Romanticism in Russian painting of the 19th century. represented by O.A. Kiprensky and S.F. Shchedrin. The first is known mainly as a portrait painter, who painted “Self-Portrait with Brushes Behind the Ear”, “A.S. Pushkin", "E.P. Rostopchin” and others. The second created poetic images of Italian nature, in particular the series “Harbors in Sorrento”.

In creativity K.P. Bryullov Romanticism is combined with classicism. His brushes include such famous paintings as “The Last Day of Pompeii”, “Bathsheba”, etc. Since the middle of the 19th century. Realism becomes the leading direction in Russian painting. Its establishment and successful development was facilitated by the Association of Itinerants, which arose in 1870, which included almost all the best Russian artists of that time. Realism in painting reached its highest peak in creativity I.E. Repina And IN AND. Surikov. The first created such masterpieces as “Barge Haulers on the Volga”, “ Procession in Kursk province”, as well as portraits “Protodeacon”, “Mussorgsky”, etc. The second is known for the paintings “Morning of the Streltsy Execution”, “Boyaryna Morozova”, “Mentikov in Berezovo”, etc. Outstanding realist artists were also I.N. Kramskoy, V.M. Vasnetsov, V.G. Perov, P.A. Fedotov, A.K. Savrasov, I.I. Shishkin.

It is also developing very successfully Russian theater. Its heyday is associated with the name of the great playwright A.N. Ostrovsky, whose creative destiny was connected with the Maly Theater in Moscow. He created the plays “The Thunderstorm”, “Profitable Place”, “Forest”, “Dowry”, the production of which made Russian theater classic. An outstanding actor on the Russian stage was M.S. Shchepkin.

He wrote about the Russian people, “ powerful and mysterious", which " retained his majestic features, lively mind and wide debauchery rich nature under the yoke of serfdom and... to the tsar’s order to form - responded a hundred years later with the enormous phenomenon of Pushkin" Of course, it was not only A.S. Pushkin that Herzen had in mind. Pushkin became a symbol of his era, when there was a rapid rise in cultural development of Russia. Pushkin's time, first third of the 19th century, they're picking up "golden age" of Russian culture.

Golden Age of Russian Culture - Architecture

Architecture and sculpture . Late XVIII and the beginning of the 19th century. - this is the era of classicism in Russian architecture, which left a bright mark on architectural appearance St. Petersburg, Moscow and other cities.

Classicism is a European cultural and aesthetic movement that focused on ancient (ancient Greek and Roman) art, on ancient literature and mythology.

Buildings in the classicist style are distinguished by balance, clear and calm rhythm, and precise proportions. Main laws architectural composition there was symmetry, emphasizing the center, general harmony. The main entrance was usually located in the center and was designed in the form of a portico (the part of the building protruding forward with columns and a pediment). The columns had to be different in color from the walls. Most often the columns were painted in White color, and the walls are yellow.

IN mid-18th century V. Petersburg was a city of singles architectural masterpieces, immersed in the greenery of the estates. Then the regular development of the city began along straight avenues radiating from the Admiralty. St. Petersburg classicism is the architecture not of individual buildings, but of entire ensembles, striking in their unity and harmony.

In 1806 - 1823 a new Admiralty building was built according to the project Andreyan Dmitrievich Zakharov (1761 - 1811). In the huge building, the architect emphasized the central tower. It is distinguished by a dynamic vertical rhythm. The Admiralty is crowned by a rapidly flying gilded needle with a boat. The solemn major rhythm of the Admiralty set the tone for the entire architecture of the city on the Neva, and the boat became its symbol.

The construction at the beginning of the 19th century was important. Exchange building on the spit of Vasilyevsky Island. It was this building that was supposed to unite the ensembles that had developed around the widest section of the Neva riverbed. The design of the Exchange and the design of the switch were entrusted to the French architect Thomas de Thomon. A.D. Zakharov participated in finalizing the project. Their creative collaboration led to a brilliant solution to the problem. The Neva Mirror united the system: Peter-Pavel's Fortress- Spit of Vasilyevsky Island - Palace Embankment. The Exchange building is relatively small, but its power architectural forms in combination with the rostral columns, it allowed it to confidently withstand the vast expanse of water. The theme of domination over the water element was developed in a complementary ensemble monumental sculpture. Mighty figures representing the main rivers of Russia (Volga, Dnieper, Volkhov and Neva) were created by sculptors S. S. Pimenov, I. I. Terebnev and V. I. Demut-Malinovsky.

Nevsky Prospekt, the main thoroughfare of the capital, acquired the appearance of a single ensemble with construction in 1801-1811. Kazan Cathedral. Author of the project Andrey Nikiforovich Voronikhin (1759 - 1814), the son of a serf peasant, took St. Cathedral as a model. Peter's in Rome, the creation of Michelangelo. Using its motifs, Voronikhin created an original architectural work. The ashes of M.I. Kutuzov were transferred to the cathedral. Monuments to Kutuzov and Barclay de Tolly, made by B.I. Orlovsky, were erected in front of the cathedral. Seeing these monuments for the first time, Pushkin said: “Here is the initiator Barclay, and here is the accomplisher Kutuzov”.

In the 40s and 50s of the 19th century. Nevsky Prospekt was decorated bronze sculptures Peter Karlovich Klodt (1805 — 1867 ) “Horse Tamers” installed on the Anichkov Bridge over the Fontanka. Klodt's sculptures in allegorical form reveal the theme of man's struggle with the elemental forces of nature and victory over them.

Another work by Klodt is a monument to Nicholas I on Isaac's Square In Petersburg. The Emperor is depicted riding a horse. The horse is dancing, the emperor is motionless - a clear contrast compared to the monument located nearby.

For forty years, from 1818 to 1858, St. Isaac's Cathedral was built in St. Petersburg - the most large building, erected in Russia in the first half of the 19th century. Inside the cathedral there can be 13 thousand people. From the gallery on its dome you can see Kronstadt, Peterhof, Pulkovo, Tsarskoe Selo, Gatchina and the sea in the distance. Project St. Isaac's Cathedral was designed] by a French architect Auguste Montferrand (1786 - 1858). In design appearance And interior decoration sculptor P. K. Klodt, artist K. P. Bryullov and others participated. According to the government’s plan, the cathedral was supposed to personify the power and inviolability of the autocracy, its close union with Orthodox Church. Majestic building cathedral produces strong impression. Although the author of the project and the customers can be partly blamed for gigantomania. Contemporaries recalled that the service in such a cathedral was very solemn, but there was no reverence, prayer did not reach the soul, especially among those who stood behind.

According to Montferrand's design, a 47-meter column of granite monolith was erected on Palace Square(1829-1834) - a monument to Alexander I and at the same time - a monument in honor of the victory of Russian weapons in 1812. The figure of an angel holding a cross was made by B. I. Orlovsky.

The triumphal motifs of the Alexander Column were picked up in the sculptural decoration of the arch of the General Staff Building, which covered Palace Square on the south side. At the same time, the General Staff building, built according to the design of K. I. Rossi, seemed to repeat the solemn motifs of the Admiralty, located diagonally from it. Thus, the ensemble of Palace Square was united with the ensemble of Admiralteysky Prospekt.

Karl Ivanovich Rossi (1775 — 1849 ), the son of an Italian ballerina, was born and lived in Russia. The final work on the creation of St. Petersburg ensembles is associated with his work. According to Rossi's design, the buildings of the Senate and Synod, the Alexandria Theater, and the Mikhailovsky Palace (now the Russian Museum) were built. Not limiting himself to the construction of individual buildings, the famous maestro rebuilt the streets and squares adjacent to them. These works acquired such a scale that Rossi at one time seemed close to fulfilling his dream - to make the whole city a work of art. This plan was partially realized.

Old Petersburg, left to us as a legacy by Rastrelli, Zakharov, Voronikhin, Montferrand, Rossi, and other Russian and foreign architects, is a masterpiece of world architecture. Its careful preservation for children and grandchildren is the sacred duty of every new generation of Russian citizens.

At the beginning of the 19th century. sculptor Ivan Petrovich Martos (1754 — 1835 ) received an order for a monument for Nizhny Novgorod. While the work was going on, Russia was subjected to the Napoleonic invasion. inspired the master to create a highly artistic and deeply spiritual work. It was installed on Red Square in Moscow, which had not yet healed its wounds, had not yet built up its ashes. IN Nizhny Novgorod erected another monument.

After the fire, such outstandingly beautiful buildings as the Bolshoi Theater and the Manezh (both designed by O. I. Bove) were erected in Moscow. The fire did not eliminate the traditional diversity of Moscow streets and the picturesque chaotic nature of the buildings. On narrow and curved streets with buildings different eras it was difficult to deploy architectural ensembles. Therefore, Moscow classicism was imprinted not in ensembles, but in individual buildings. It is not as monumental as the St. Petersburg one, it is freer, closer to people and sometimes touchingly naive (when the portico was attached to a one-story wooden house). One of the best Moscow mansions classic style— the Lopukhins’ house on Prechistenka (now the Leo Tolstoy Museum). It was built by the architect A. G. Grigoriev, who came from serfdom.

Provincial classicism was closer to Moscow. A number of major architects emerged in the province. For example, Voronikhin’s student M.P. Korinfsky, a native of Arzamas, built in Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, and Simbirsk. In his hometown he supervised the construction of the cathedral, which was erected at the expense of local merchants in memory of the events of 1812. Word of the magnificent Arzamas Cathedral spread far across Russia.

In Siberia at the beginning of the 19th century. Baroque buildings were still being built. His features are visible in the Moscow Gate of Irkutsk, in the Resurrection Cathedral in Tomsk. But then classicism came to Siberia. One of his first and best monuments is « The White house» in Irkutsk, built by the Sibiryakov merchants. In Omsk according to the project famous architect Vasily Petrovich Stasov (1769 - 1848) St. Nicholas Cossack Cathedral was erected. It was stored in it.

In the 30s of the XIX century. classicism entered a time of crisis. People began to feel oppressed by the monotony of buildings with columns. The rules of classicism, too rigid, had difficulty adapting to the changing situation. At that time, the construction of apartment (apartment) buildings was underway in the cities. Such a house needed several entrances, and according to the canons of classicism, it was possible to make only one main entrance - in the center of the building. On the lower floors apartment buildings shops were located, but their wide windows did not comply with the norms of classicism. And he left, swept away by the criticism of his contemporaries and the urgent demands of life.

The creative thought of the architects settled on the principle of “smart choice”. It was believed that the building should be built in a style that suits its purpose. In practice, everything was determined by the desire of the customer and the taste of the architect. Landowners began to build estates in the style medieval gothic. appeared in the cities apartment buildings with Venetian windows. The period of eclecticism (mixing styles) has begun.

In 1839 - 1852 according to the project German architect Leo Klenze built the New Hermitage building in St. Petersburg. The calm balance of its parts, decorative design in the modern Greek style, powerful granite atlases at the entrance - all this created an impressive image of the museum - a repository of masterpieces of world art.

Konstantin Andreevich Ton (1794 — 1881 ) tried to revive traditions in his work ancient Russian architecture. He built five-domed churches with narrow arched (rounded) windows, and used Russian and Byzantine decor. All this was subject to the strict proportions and symmetry of classicism, which Tone could not renounce. Ton's Russian-Byzantine style seemed artificial to many. But in fact, Tone simply did not comprehend all the secrets for certain ancient Russian architecture- they were so completely forgotten.

Nicholas I liked Ton's works. The architect received two large orders for Moscow. In 1838 - 1849 under his leadership the Grand Kremlin Palace was built. In 1839, on the banks of the Moscow River, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was founded in memory of the deliverance of Russia from the Napoleonic invasion. Construction stretched for long years. The solemn consecration of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior took place in 1883. Marble plaques with the names of killed and wounded officers were installed in the temple, the number of soldiers killed in each battle was reported, and the names of people who gave their savings to the cause of victory were immortalized. The majestic 100-meter-high bulk of the temple organically fits into the silhouette of Moscow.

The patronage of Nicholas I played fatal role for Ton's legacy. His creations began to be seen as a symbol of Nicholas's reign. This explains Herzen's harsh reviews. Other opposition-minded critics also did not like Thon. In the years Soviet power Tone's creativity was suppressed or belittled. Many of the churches he built were demolished. In 1931, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was blown up. The only thing that didn’t occur to me was to blow up the Moscow Station in St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Station in Moscow - also the creations of Ton, in the architecture of which one can subtly read the motifs of the Moscow Sukharev Tower, demolished in the same fatal years for Russian culture. Although severely damaged, Thon's legacy lives on and serves the people.

Golden age of Russian culture - painting

Russian painting . In 1827 during excavations ancient city Russian artist visited Pompeii Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (1799 - 1852). He walked along the ancient pavements, admired the frescoes, and in his imagination there arose that tragic night when the city was covered with the hot ashes of the awakened Vesuvius. Work on the painting took about six years. "The last day of Pompeii". The death of this city, in the artist’s mind, was combined with the death of everything ancient world. His beauty seems to personify central figure paintings - a beautiful woman, who fell from her chariot and died.

In Russia "The last day of Pompeii" A real triumph awaited. The rumor about the masterpiece brought from Italy spread throughout St. Petersburg, and merchants, artisans, and craftsmen flocked to the halls of the Academy of Arts. Russian secular painting attracted a mass audience for the first time.

Bryullov was abroad on a business trip to the Academy of Arts. In that educational institution The training in drawing and painting techniques was well organized. But the Academy was guided by the ancient heritage and heroic themes. Scenes from modern life, a simple Russian landscape was considered unworthy of an artist's brush. Classicism in painting was called academicism.

Bryullov was associated with the Academy with all his creativity. But he had a powerful imagination, a keen eye and a faithful hand - and he gave birth to living creations that were only externally consistent with the canons of academicism. With his characteristic grace, he knew how to capture the beauty of the naked A. A. Ivanov human body, and trembling sunbeam on a green leaf. Academic painting reached its peak in creativity Alexander Andreevich Ivanov (1806—1858 ). For more than 20 years he worked on the painting “The Appearance of Christ to the People,” into which he invested all the strength and brightness of his talent. On foreground The grandiose canvas highlights the courageous figure of John the Baptist, pointing to the approaching Christ. His figure is shown in the distance. He has not arrived yet, but he will definitely come, says the artist. And the faces and souls of those who wait for the Savior brighten and become clear.

Two remarkable portrait painters of their time - Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782 — 1836 ) And Vasily Andreevich Tropinin (1776 — 1857 ) - they left us lifetime portraits of Pushkin. In Kiprensky, Pushkin looks solemn and romantic, in an aura of poetic glory. " You flatter me, Orestes“, Pushkin sighed, looking at the finished canvas. In the portrait of Tropinin, the poet is charming in a homely way. Some special old-Moscow warmth and comfort emanates from Tropinin’s works. Until the age of 47 he was in captivity. That is probably why the faces of ordinary people in his canvases are so fresh and inspired. And the youth and charm of his “Lacemaker” are endless.

Folk motifs are inherent in painting Alexey Gavrilovich Venetsianov(1780 — 1847 ). He began his career as an artist as a secular portrait painter, but then left the capital and went to his estate in the Tver province. Here, on his canvases, a series of peasant faces was displayed: a bearded old man, an old woman with a stick, a child taking his first steps, a girl with cornflowers. Peasant horses did not at all resemble classic pegasuses. And in the background, the native Russian landscape loomed: fields of ripe rye, copses, thatched roofs.

And yet the artist’s work remained mainly within the framework of classicism. The Russian village in Venetsianov’s canvases is too conventional and decorative. Peasant women go to corvée in bright sundresses and kokoshniks. Their work is not hard at all. In one of the paintings, a young woman easily and smoothly leads two horses harnessed to a harrow across the arable land. Venetsianovskaya village is elegant, festive, serene. And only sometimes, as if by chance, such a detail slips through as the worn-out hands of an old peasant woman.

Creativity clearly did not fit into the framework of academicism Pavel Andreevich Fedotov (1815 — 1852 ). The makings of a satirical artist were discovered during his service in the guard. Then he made funny, mischievous sketches of army life. In 1848, his painting appeared at an academic exhibition "Fresh Cavalier", a daring mockery not only of the stupid and arrogant bureaucracy, but also of academic traditions. The dirty robe I wore main character The painting was very reminiscent of an antique toga. Bryullov looked at the painting for a long time, and then said to the author, half jokingly, half seriously: “ Congratulations, you beat me" Other paintings by Fedotov also have a comedic and satirical character ( "Aristocrat's Breakfast", "Major's Matchmaking"). His last paintings are very sad ( “Anchor, more anchor!”, "Widow").

In 1852 in cultural life A remarkable event occurred in Russia. The Hermitage opened its doors, where the artistic treasures of the imperial family were collected. The first public art museum appeared in Russia.

The unprecedented flowering of all types of art was due to the rise of patriotic feelings of the Russian people in the war with Napoleon, the refusal of blind imitation French culture, the development of the liberation ideas of the Decembrists.

The leading direction in the development of culture in the first half of the 19th century is becoming, which is characterized by attention to inner world personalities, bright characters and exceptional circumstances. At the same time the first appear outstanding works realistic literature.

Architecture and painting

Russian artists reach a level of skill that puts their works on a par with the best examples European art. The leading genre of Russian painting, as in the 18th century, remains the portrait. At the same time, the heroes of paintings by famous artists often become equally famous poets. Orest Kiprensky paints portraits of Zhukovsky and Pushkin. Another portrait of Pushkin is created by Vasily Tropinin.

The most outstanding phenomenon of the “golden age” of Russian painting is the work of Karl Bryullov, back in student years nicknamed "Great Charles". He manages to become an innovator in the art of portraiture, showing his characters not in the usual static poses, but in movement, as is done in famous painting"Rider". Best Work Bryullov - grandiose historical painting"The Last Day of Pompeii" performed in best traditions European romanticism.

Literature and music

At the same time, the first Russian classical operas were created - “A Life for the Tsar” (“Ivan Susanin”) and “Ruslan and Lyudmila” by Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka.

The “Golden Age” of Russian culture did not get its name in vain. It was during this period that she gained true fame and subsequently strives to achieve more and more new heights.