Lermontov`s Monument in Pyatigorsk

1. Lermontov`s Monument in Pyatigorsk

By Anna Shitik
School №28
10th form
Teacher: G. Leshchenko

2.

"Every step in here is live letters" by right can be written on
the first page of the guide to the resort Pyatigorsk. Famous
scientists and military leaders, great poets and artists walking
on the streets of a provincial town, among them the great
Russian poet Michael Lermontov. In Pyatigorsk, his name is
immortalized in the names of streets and squares, there is a
monument of work of Alexander Opekushin.

3.

Michael Lermontov in his short
life traveled almost all over
Russia. The poet was born in
Moscow, spent his childhood in
the family estate in Tarkhany. He
studied at the University of
Moscow, then in St. Petersburg.
Becoming a military, Lermontov
traveled around the country,
often visited the Caucasus. But
one city has played in the fate of
the poet's exceptional role. This Is
Pyatigorsk.

4.

In 1837 Lermontov as punishment
for the poem "On the death of the
poet", was sent to the Caucasus and
again came in Pyatigorsk. Soon at
the reception, the poet had a fight
with
their
old
friend,
Nikolai
Martynov, who challenged him to a
duel. It took place on 15 (27) July
1841 at the foot of Mashuk mountain
during a violent thunderstorm.
Lermontov was killed by Martynov`s
first shot.

5.

The idea to erect a monument to
the poet in Pyatigorsk was founded
in 1870. It belonged to leutenant
Martianov. In July 1871 the Emperor
Alexander II gave permission for the
construction of the monument to M.
Lermontov in Pyatigorsk. For this
purpose were sent to the money
Lermontov with readings, concerts,
lotteries.

6.

In
1881
was
declared
a
competition for the best project of
the monument. The first and second
rounds, which received a total of
more than 120 proposals, have
failed. The third round was presented
to only 15 projects. Opekushin won,
he was the author of the monument
to Pushkin in Moscow.
Opening of the monument took
place on August 16, 1889.

7.

Opekushin depicted Lermontov
in the moment of poetic
inspiration. He sits on the stone,
the coat slipped from his
shoulder, an open book falling
from his hands. Lermontov look
towards the horizon, to the
Caucasus mountains and the
snow-white Elbrus.

8.

A bronze statue of the poet with
a height of 2.35 meters was cast
in St. Petersburg at the factory of
Moran. The pedestal is built of
light granite, specially brought
from the Crimea. After the
monument was built, its height amounted to 5,65 m. On the
upper face of the pedestal is the
inscription "Michael Lermontov",
and below bronze lyre with three
strings and a wreath with a
feather, opening date: "16 August
1889".

9.

The
monument
erected
in
Pyatigorsk became the first
monument to Michael Lermontov
in Russia. Today it is one of the
main attractions of the city. At the
foot of the monument every year
hosts festivals dedicated to
Lermontov. Lovers of poetry from
around the world come here to
pay homage to the great poet.

10.

References:
http://www.culture.ru
https://ru.wikipedia.org
http://old.behtau.net

11. Thanks for watching!