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F. G. Gordeyev, 1744-1810, I. P. Prokofiev,
1758-1828, and I. P. Martos, 1752-1835, were all students of Gillet at the
Academy and all spent some time in western Europe. Their art shows the
increased influence of classicism and of ancient Greek mythology, which often
served as their inspiration.
Of all three, Martos particularly distinguished himself and should be
considered as the best representative of Russian classicism in sculpture. He
exerted considerable influence on his generation and the student who followed
his style. After returning from Rome in 1779, Martos mad several base-reliefs
for the tombs of prominent people, who around that time began to be buried at
the Donskoy Monastery in Moscow. Martos won fame with his monument to
"Citizen Minin and Prince Pozharskii" which was dedicated in 1818 at
the Red Square in Moscow. The two heroes successfully led the Russians against
the Polish invaders and liberated Moscow in 1612, after which Mikhail Romanov
was proclaimed Russian Tsar. Russians are very proud of this monument, and some
consider it one of the best in Europe. The harmonious composition, with the to
men with a gigantic sword between them and on which they join their hands
grandly indicates their intention. The monument is raised on a pedestal and was
originally located in the middle of Red Square. It was moved to its present
location after the revolution to clear the square for parades. Two bronze
base-reliefs decorate the pedestal; one depicting the expulsion of the Poles
from Russia, the other the citizens of Nizhnii-Novgorod, where the uprising
started, bringing their contributions and their sons to join the movement for
liberation. Among the citizens Martos sculpted himself and his sons, dressed in
a long antique togs. See the
monument.)
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