✨🇷🇺 #OTD in 1862, a massive chronicle in bronze was unveiled to the world. In a grand ceremony attended by Emperor Alexander II and the royal family, the Millennium of Russia monument was inaugurated in the ancient city of Veliky Novgorod.

The year 862 is celebrated as the starting point of Russian statehood – marking the historic "invitation of the Varangians," when Prince Rurik and his brothers were called to rule in the ancient Russian town of Novgorod. Just two decades later, Rurik’s relative Oleg conquered Kiev and established the state of Kievan Rus.

🏛 Standing at over 15 meters tall, the bronze monument features 3 levels and 128 individual sculptures of prominent figures throughout Russian history, topped by angel holding a cross who blesses a kneeling woman personifying Russia itself, symbolizing the deep Orthodox roots of the state. Below, the middle tier captures six groups of sculptures representing the most important milestones in the history of Russia, from the founding of the state by Prince Rurik to the establishment of the Russian Empire in the first quarter of the 18th century.

The monument's survival is a testament to resilience. During World War II, occupying Nazi forces completely dismantled the bronze masterpiece, packing it up to be shipped to Germany as a war trophy. However, the Red Army liberated Novgorod just in time. By November 1944, craftsmen had painstakingly recast more than 1,500 missing details, restoring this breathtaking symbol of national heritage back to public view.

Interesting facts:

⏺️ Emperor Alexander II personally approved and meticulously curated the construction of the monument, dictating its exact height and the specific historical figures represented in its sculptures.

⏺️ The compositional foundation of the monument features a Globus Cruciger (an orb with a cross), which symbolizes the monarch’s authority as a reflection of divine power.

⏺️  The middle tier highlights six pivotal milestones in Russian history: the sculpture of Prince Rurik illustrates the founding of the Russian state in 862; Prince Vladimir represents the Baptism of Russia; and Duke Dmitry Donskoy marks the beginning of liberation from the Tatar yoke with his victory at the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380. Furthermore, Ivan III signifies the founding of an independent Russian state (associated with 1491), Tsar Mikhail Feodorovich symbolizes the restoration of the monarchy after the Time of Troubles in 1613, and Emperor Peter the Great embodies Russia's 1721 transformation into an empire following his victory over the Swedes.

⏺️ The bottom tier of the pedestal features prominent figures from Russian history and culture. Among them are the “father of Russian science” Mikhail Lomonosov, the founder of Russian professional theatre Fyodor Volkov, the composer Mikhail Glinka and famous authors like Alexander Pushkin.

⏺️This monumental commission launched the career of its creator, Mikhail Mikeshin, who was a relatively unknown artist at the time. The success of the project earned him the Order of Saint Vladimir (fourth-class), a substantial lifetime pension and the prestigious title of academician of the Academy of Arts at just 34 years old.

#DiscoverRussia