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Chekhov Monument

Chekhov Monument is a monument to the Russian writer Anton Chekhov in Taganrog, Russia, located on Red Square. The sculpture shows Chekhov, who was born in Taganrog, seated on a stone and holding a book. It consists of a 3-meter bronze statue placed on a 3.15-meter pedestal clad in granite slabs. The monument was created by Julian Rukawisznikow and unveiled on 26 January 1960 as part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Chekhov’s birth. The bronze figure was cast at the Monumientskulptura plant in St. Petersburg, then Leningrad.

Chekhov Monument, a bronze seated statue of a bearded man on a pedestal against a blue sky
The Chekhov Monument shows a seated bronze figure on a pedestal beneath a clear blue sky.
© · CC BY-SA 4.0
Chekhov Monument showing a seated bronze statue of Anton Chekhov holding a book and looking upward.
The Chekhov Monument depicts Anton Chekhov seated with a book in his lap.
June 2017 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Chekhov monument shows a bronze seated figure holding a book on a dark granite pedestal in a park.
The Chekhov Monument stands in a sunny park among trees, paths, and benches.
September 2008 © · Public domain
Chekhov Monument with a seated bronze statue on a stone pedestal in a snowy park
The Chekhov Monument stands in a winter park surrounded by snow, flowers, and bare trees.
January 2010 © · Public domain
Chekhov Monument showing a bearded man seated on a bench, resting his chin on his hand.
Chekhov Monument in a contemplative seated pose, with the figure resting his chin on his hand.
1935 © sculptors V. Andreev (1890—1945) and N. Andreev (1873—1932) , unknown photographer · Public domain

Identification

TitleChekhov Monument
TypeMonument
SubjectAnton Chekhov
Original titlePomnik Antona Czechowa

Historical context

Planning historyFirst proposed in 1904; repeatedly planned in later decades before completion in 1960
Anniversary commemoratedChekhov's 100th birthday

Creator

SculptorIulian Rukavishnikov
ArchitectG. A. Zakharov
Sculptor's titles and honorsCorresponding member of the Academy of Arts of the USSR; People's Artist of the RSFSR; laureate of the Lenin Komsomol Prize

Discovery and provenance

Casting locationMonumentskulptura plant, Leningrad
Pedestal production locationMytishchi
Earlier temporary sculptureA bronze bust cast from a copy of Vera Morozova's plaster bust, installed in 1944 and replaced in 1960

Materials

MaterialBronze statue on a granite pedestal
Pedestal materialGranite slabs

Physical characteristics

AppearanceHe is depicted as a young man, impeccably dressed, looking into the distance
Artistic featureThe portrayal of Chekhov's face was considered unconventional and bold for its time
PoseChekhov is shown seated on a stone, holding a book
Height3 m statue; 3.15 m pedestal

Location and ownership

LocationChekhov Square, Red Square (formerly Alexandrovskaya Square), Taganrog, Russia
Specific siteIn front of the Alexandrovskiye Trade Rows
OrientationThe figure faces the street on which Chekhov was born
OwnershipMunicipal property
Heritage statusObject of cultural heritage of federal significance
Heritage status date4 December 1974
Heritage status actResolution No. 624 of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR

History and restoration

Unveiling circumstancesUnveiled during the centenary celebrations of Chekhov's birth
RestorationRestoration of the monument and adjacent park completed in 2009 with municipal funding of 1.4 million rubles
Foundation laying date31 May 1935
Unveiling date29 January 1960
Foundation laying participantM. P. Chekhova laid the first brick
Foundation laying placeChekhov Square

Significance

Commemorative significanceA tribute from the people of Taganrog to their most renowned fellow townsman
Historical significanceCompleted after multiple failed plans and competitions spanning from 1904 to 1960

Other

Notable attendees at unveilingIlya Ehrenburg and Chingiz Aitmatov
Presidential floral tributeOn 29 January 2010, Russian president Dmitri Medvedev laid flowers at the monument during events for Chekhov's 150th anniversary