Architect Lvov Nikolay Alexandrovich: biography, creativity

Nikolai Aleksandrovich Lvov, whose biography and creativity are the subject of this review - the largest figure of Russian culture of the 18th - early 19th centuries. Traditionally he is considered an architect, however, in addition to construction, he made a significant contribution to the development of other branches of knowledge. He was a poet, dramatist, engraver, well versed in geology, chemistry, Old Russian literature and folklore. In a word, it was a representative of his time, when in Russia the ideas of enlightenment among the noble intelligentsia were widespread.

Review of the era

Lvov Nikolai was a bright personality of Catherine's rule. At that time, in the socio-political thought of the country, the idea that education and education could significantly change the conditions for the development of the country for the better prevailed. It is time to search for new ideas and solutions in all areas of culture. Russia, having become one of the leading European states, actively mastered world achievements in art. In these decades, there were not so many scientists, but the real researchers were, in fact, universal, i.e. Understood simultaneously well in all fields of knowledge. A vivid example of this is the personality and activity of Lomonosov. Such people largely set the tone for cultural development. Their influence on social and political thought was enormous. To this galaxy belonged Nikolai Lvov.

Briefly about biography

The future famous architect and cultural figure was born in 1751 in Tver province. He belonged to an impoverished aristocratic family. He received his education in St. Petersburg, in Izmailovsky regiment, where officers were trained. However, at that time Lvov Nikolai showed interest in humanitarian disciplines, as well as in construction. He even organized a circle of lovers of literature in the regiment, which was quite typical for the time when noblemen interested in this or that field united in circles in various directions. Indicative is the fact that Lvov Nikolai did not receive a special education, however, when the competition for the construction of the cathedral was organized, it was his project that won. Catherine II himself approved it, because at that time it promoted the spread of new directions in architecture.

The merits of the young and talented architect were highly appreciated: he became a member of the Russian Academy, and a little later became a member of the Academy of Fine Arts. In addition, he worked in the College of Foreign Affairs, which allowed him to travel and get acquainted with the achievements of world culture. In the last years of his life, the architect was accused of embezzling state funds, an investigation began against him. This undermined his health, and in 1803 he passed away.

Features of creativity

Russian architecture of the second half of the 18th century began to gradually move away from the Baroque, moving to the classical style. It was in this direction that Lvov worked. He was an adherent of the work of the Italian architect Palladio, who was the brightest representative of the new trend in art. He even translated his books into Russian, which indicated the transition to the classical style of building. Projects of Lviv provided for simple, restrained lines of buildings. He refused the splendor of the previous style and turned to stricter compositions.

Buildings in the provinces

The city of Torzhok is famous for the fact that in it the architect created one of his most famous buildings - the gate church of the Boris and Gleb monastery. Its design is simple and restrained. White color gives special beauty. The architect also built temples in other cities. Thus, according to his design, the church of St. Catherine the Great Martyr in the city of Valdai was built. In addition, Lviv erected and secular buildings. He is famous for the fact that he designed a number of noble estates, the design of which showed his talent as a designer. It was here that he managed to prove himself not only as an architect, but was able to demonstrate his abilities in organizing a garden and park ensemble. So, he rebuilt his family estate Nikolskoe-Cherenchitsy.

Buildings in the capital

Architectural monuments of St. Petersburg include several works belonging to Lviv. This is the Neva gate of the Peter and Paul Fortress, as well as the building of the capital's post office. At this time, the architect is actively working on the construction of private mansions. The largest and most famous figures of that time made orders to him, which indicated the recognition that came to him at a very young age. He created the church of the Holy Trinity. The initiative belonged to Prince Vyazemsky, and the construction was completed in 1790. In addition, Nikolai Aleksandrovich Lvov built a castle in Gatchina.

Innovations

The architect made a great contribution to the development of earthmoving construction. He even founded a school in which they specially trained this type of building. In addition, Lvov was interested in problems of ventilation and heating. For his time, his achievements were very progressive. Also, the architect was engaged in geology and found a number of deposits in the Valdai Upland. A wide range of interests and interest in everything new and determined the author's innovative approach to construction. Its constructions differed from the baroque constructions and attracted their simple, elegant and restrained lines.

Other areas of activity

Lviv became famous not only as a talented architect, but also as a scientist, writer and poet. He was fond of ancient Russian folklore, he found and published an ancient chronicle, which in science has since been called his surname. Nikolai Aleksandrovich Lvov collected folk songs and published them in a separate edition, accompanied by their musical design. He himself was the author of a number of literary works: his pen belongs to poems (in the epic spirit), as well as the libretto, operas, which enjoyed wide popularity.

The architect was a talented artist, draftsman and engraver. He himself engraved his own sketches and sketches. We have already mentioned his interest in mineralogy.

Russian architecture was enriched by its architectural achievements. Thus, the activity of Lviv is a whole stage of development in the national culture, which is of great importance for understanding the features of the era as a whole.

Importance of creativity

The works of Lviv should be viewed in the context of their time. The fact is that in the second half of the 18th century, many educated noblemen simultaneously dedicated themselves to several specialties and occupations. In principle, this was a peculiar trend of the times. And besides Lomonosov, who was a very versatile personality, Lviv also occupies a prominent place in this row.

His work is a vivid example of the multifaceted personality and broad outlook that was typical of the intelligentsia of Catherine's time. An indicator of recognition of merit by the architect is the fact that the city of Torzhok became the site of his monument.