As a monument "Motherland Calls!" became part of a triptych that stretched from Magnitogorsk to Berlin

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

The grandeur and scale of the Motherland Calls! Monument, towering over the Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd, is simply breathtaking. However, not everyone knows that this is only the central and most famous part of the triptych - an ensemble of three monuments located in different cities and even countries. Only having an idea of all the figures, one can realize the majesty of the creation of an architectural monument dedicated to the theme of war and victory over fascism.

The three monuments, in addition to the general idea, are united by the sword, which is in each of them. He personifies the symbol of struggle and victory, the unity of peoples in an effort to overcome the misfortune that has come to their country. The ensemble opens with the work "Rear to the Front", it is installed in Magnitogorsk, then follows "Motherland Calls" in Volgograd and ends with a building called "Warrior-Liberator" located in Berlin.

Two monuments "Motherland Calls!" and "Warrior-Liberator" - the work of one author Yevgeny Vuchetich. The sculptor-monumentalist, it was not for nothing that he chose the Great Patriotic War as the theme of his creations - he himself was a participant in it. The sword is found in another of his work, not related to the triptych, but close to it in subject matter. The composition "Let's Beat Swords into Plowshares" was installed in front of the UN headquarters in New York. It depicts a worker who transforms weapons into tools for plowing the land, personifying the reign of peace and prosperity. The monument, located in the Urals, the work of two sculptors Lev Golovnitsky and Yakov Belopolsky. The symbol of victory over Nazism was forged in the Urals, raised on the Volga and lowered where the enemy came from - in Berlin. A worthy sense for the grandiose work of sculptors.

"Rear-front" or the sword is forged

Despite the fact that this is the initial composition of the ensemble, it was built later than everyone else - in 1979. The fact that it was a small Ural town that had the honor to erect a monument of this magnitude on its territory is not accidental. Magnitogorsk steel was used for the manufacture of every second tank and every third shell. Therefore, it is here that the monument to the rear is located, to those who forged, and in the literal sense of the word, victory in the rear.

For Magnitogorsk, there is a special symbolism in this - a foundry worker hands the sword that they have forged to a soldier whose gaze is turned to the West, it is there that he will direct the point of his sword. The figures, despite the fact that they stand close to each other, are turned in opposite directions. This epitomizes the fact that each of these men has one goal and one war, but different tasks, each of which is equally important to victory.

Despite the fact that the monument is not very high - 15 meters, it seems that it is much larger. This effect is achieved thanks to the hill on which it is located. The monument was made in granite and bronze. For the construction of the monument, an artificial hill 18 meters high was created, in order for it to withstand a weighty structure, its base was reinforced with piles. The monument itself was cast in Leningrad. Later, it was supplemented with elements on which the names of Magnitogorsk residents who died at the front were immortalized.

"The Motherland Calls!" or the sword is raised

The central part of the ensemble is the monument "Motherland Calls!" is not just the most outstanding part of this triptych. This figure is listed in the Guinness Book as one of the tallest statues in the world. A female figure with a raised sword is a rather unexpected compositional move that demonstrates the hopelessness of the situation. The Motherland is a kind of collective image that not only calls for unification to defeat the enemy, but also demonstrates its vulnerability along with decisiveness. No wonder a weak woman found the strength to take up arms.

The sculpture over 85 meters high is not only an amazing idea and execution, but also the precise work of engineers, architects and builders. To make a statue weighing 8 tons, it took 2.4 tons of metal structures, 5.5 tons of concrete. In order to establish the Motherland, the base was installed to a depth of more than 15 meters. The thickness of the walls is more than 30 cm. Inside, the monument looks like a residential building, because it is held together by chambers and compartments.

By the way, the sword itself, which is the unifying element of the triptych, has been altered in this statue. At first, it was made of stainless steel and coated with titanium. But the structure swayed so much, especially in windy weather. Later, during the reconstruction, the blade of the sword was replaced with fluorinated steel, in addition, holes were added at the very top.

"Liberator Warrior" or sword lowered

On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Victory, the unveiling of a monument that symbolized the defeat of fascism took place. This is not only a symbol of the victory of the Soviet people, but also the personification of the freedom of all peoples of Europe from fascism. Needless to say, what kind of work it took to erect the monument in the post-war years, when devastation and hard work accompanied everyone.

The monument has a prototype - a simple Soviet soldier from the Kemerovo region, during the storming of Berlin he saved a German girl and such a story actually took place. For the statue, paratrooper Ivan Odarenko posed, and he is carrying the three-year-old daughter of the commandant of the Soviet sector of Berlin. Despite the fact that the statue was made from the winner, there is no joy or glee on his face, rather sorrow and relief, because he has come a long way, and difficult trials still await him.

It is noteworthy that Stalin himself had a hand in the creation of the monument, laying the foundation for the entire triptych. According to the idea, the soldier had an assault rifle in his hands (well, what kind of sword could a soldier of that time have in his hands?), But Joseph Vissarionovich suggested replacing the weapon, subtly feeling that the sword would add more tragedy and drama. The sculpture was cast in bronze in Leningrad and consisted of six parts, then they were transported to Berlin. After the monument was unveiled, it was handed over to Berlin. Memorable events are held near the memorial to this day.

The triptych, which is based on both the creative idea and the work of engineers and builders, does not leave the audience indifferent. The greatness and power of the victorious people is best expressed in these monumental creations. Despite the fact that war has become one of the key themes of contemporary art, it also became the reason the disappearance of world treasures, about which little can be learned today.