Statue for the Project for the Monument in St Petersburg Honouring Prince Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly, a Russian Field Marshal
1829 ‒ 1830
- Bronze. 48,5 х 24 х 15
- Ск-1951
Received in 1974 from B. A. Afanasyev, Leningrad
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Location in museum
The Stroganov Palace
Open the panorama of the hall in the virtual tour
The Hubert Robert Room - Period Early 19th century
- CategoryPortrait
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Michael Barclay de Tolly (1761–1818) was a remarkable Russian commander. He became Commander-in-Chief of the army after Kutusov’s death. He received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the title of Count for his heroism during the battles of Kulm and Leipzig, as well as the rank of General Field Marshal in 1814, and a princely title in 1815.
The idea of building monuments originated in 1818, when the corresponding decree was signed by Alexander I. After his victory in the design competition (1829), Boris Orlovsky, who had returned from Italy, where he worked in Bertel Thorvaldsen’s studio, received the order to create statues of the military leaders. Following the new tastes in Western sculpture, the two field marshals were depicted in modern military uniforms, rather than imaginary garments. The realistic portrayals of people in monuments and their historical accuracy marked an important stage in the development of Russian monumental art. The ceremonial unveiling took place on 25 December 1837.