Mikhail Kozlovsky
Encyclopedia
Mikhail Ivanovich Kozlovsky (6 November 1753 – 30 September 1802) was a Russia
n Neoclassical
sculptor active during the Age of Enlightenment
.
Beginning his training at the Imperial Academy of Arts
with Anton Losenko
in 1764, he went to Rome
in 1774 and then to Paris
in 1779. Although his early works harked back to the Baroque
sensibility, Kozlovsky eventually succeeded in adapting his manner to Neoclassical monumentality. In 1788, he returned to Paris with the task of superintending Russian students abroad. He was appointed a professor at the Academy of Arts in 1794 and instructed young sculptors in St Petersburg until his death.
Among his classicizing works was the awesome gilt bronze statue of Samson Rending the Lion's Jaws (1800-02), a central piece of the Grand Cascade at Peterhof Palace
, symbolizing Russia's victory over Sweden
in the Great Northern War
. After it was looted by the invading Germans, a replacement statue was installed in 1947. Another masterpiece is the expressive bronze sculpture of Generalissimo Alexander Suvorov
in the guise of youthful Mars
(illustrated, to the right). It was unveiled in the Field of Mars (Saint Petersburg)
a year before the sculptor's death.
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
n Neoclassical
Neoclassicism
Neoclassicism is the name given to Western movements in the decorative and visual arts, literature, theatre, music, and architecture that draw inspiration from the "classical" art and culture of Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome...
sculptor active during the Age of Enlightenment
Age of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment was an elite cultural movement of intellectuals in 18th century Europe that sought to mobilize the power of reason in order to reform society and advance knowledge. It promoted intellectual interchange and opposed intolerance and abuses in church and state...
.
Beginning his training at the Imperial Academy of Arts
Imperial Academy of Arts
The Russian Academy of Arts, informally known as the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, was founded in 1757 by Ivan Shuvalov under the name Academy of the Three Noblest Arts. Catherine the Great renamed it the Imperial Academy of Arts and commissioned a new building, completed 25 years later in 1789...
with Anton Losenko
Anton Losenko
Anton Pavlovich Losenko was a Ukrainian Neoclassical painter who lived in Imperial Russia and who specialized in historical subjects and portraits.- Life :...
in 1764, he went to Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
in 1774 and then to Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
in 1779. Although his early works harked back to the Baroque
Baroque
The Baroque is a period and the style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music...
sensibility, Kozlovsky eventually succeeded in adapting his manner to Neoclassical monumentality. In 1788, he returned to Paris with the task of superintending Russian students abroad. He was appointed a professor at the Academy of Arts in 1794 and instructed young sculptors in St Petersburg until his death.
Among his classicizing works was the awesome gilt bronze statue of Samson Rending the Lion's Jaws (1800-02), a central piece of the Grand Cascade at Peterhof Palace
Peterhof Palace
The Peterhof Palace in Russian, so German is transliterated as "Петергoф" Petergof into Russian) for "Peter's Court") is actually a series of palaces and gardens located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, laid out on the orders of Peter the Great. These Palaces and gardens are sometimes referred as the...
, symbolizing Russia's victory over Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
in the Great Northern War
Great Northern War
The Great Northern War was a conflict in which a coalition led by the Tsardom of Russia successfully contested the supremacy of the Swedish Empire in northern Central Europe and Eastern Europe. The initial leaders of the anti-Swedish alliance were Peter I the Great of Russia, Frederick IV of...
. After it was looted by the invading Germans, a replacement statue was installed in 1947. Another masterpiece is the expressive bronze sculpture of Generalissimo Alexander Suvorov
Alexander Suvorov
Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov , Count Suvorov of Rymnik, Prince in Italy, Count of the Holy Roman Empire , was the fourth and last generalissimo of the Russian Empire.One of the few great generals in history who never lost a battle along with the likes of Alexander...
in the guise of youthful Mars
Mars (mythology)
Mars was the Roman god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was second in importance only to Jupiter, and he was the most prominent of the military gods worshipped by the Roman legions...
(illustrated, to the right). It was unveiled in the Field of Mars (Saint Petersburg)
Field of Mars (Saint Petersburg)
The Field of Mars or Marsovo Polye is a large park named after the Mars - Roman god of war situated in the center of Saint-Petersburg, with an area of about 9 hectares. Bordering the Field of Mars to the north are the Marble Palace, Suvorova Square and Betskoi’s and Saltykov’s houses. To the west...
a year before the sculptor's death.