Matvey Kazakov is a famous Russian architect. One of the largest representatives of Russian pseudo-Gothic during the reign of Catherine the Second, rebuilt the center of Moscow in the Palladian style, became a developer of typical development projects.
Thanks to the contribution of Matvey Fedorovich Kazakov, Moscow was transformed into a city in magnificent architecture. The legendary architect became one of the founders of Russian classicism. More than a hundred buildings were erected by the architect.
The beginning of creativity
The biography of the future architect began in 1727. The child was born in the Moscow family of a copyist in November. He became interested in architecture from an early age. Matvey could spend hours on scaffolds to sketch buildings that impressed him. When the head of the family passed away, the mother filed a petition to enroll the child in the capital's architectural school.
By a decision of the Senate in 1751, a talented boy was taken on full board. Cossacks studied under Prince Ukhtomsky. The basics of the science of architecture were taught to students according to the treatises of French and Italian architects. Pupils instilled a love of Russian architecture. It was during the years of study that the main feature of the work of Kazakov, a combination of ancient Russian and classical architecture, was formed.
The practical application of knowledge Matvey Fedorovich began at school. He was engaged in the measurement of ancient buildings, restoration of dilapidated Kremlin buildings, budgeting, work on construction sites led by his teachers. The head of the school himself noted Kazakova.
Confession
The young man was appointed junior assistant of Ukhtomsky. In Moscow, the mentor was engaged in the construction of the "Reserve Palace" near the Red Gate, the completion of the Arsenal, and the reconstruction of the Main Pharmacy. In all deeds, the teacher was helped by Kazakov. In 1760, the prince resigned. Instead, Peter Nikitin stood at the head of the school.
The new leader appointed Kazakov as deputy, who had by that time received the rank of ensign of architecture. One of the first tasks of the new team was the restoration of almost completely burnt out Tver.
Cossacks participated in the design of houses. He developed the appearance and interior decoration of the trading office of Nikita Demidov, erected the Travel Palace, which became the most remarkable building in the city. After such remarkable work, Kazakov was among the first architects of the empire. He received a lot of orders.
After the Tver fire, urban reforms began throughout the country. The building density, the construction of buildings made of wood, the tortuosity of the streets were called the main causes of ignition. Therefore, the largest reconstruction began in Moscow.
Significant works
In 1768, Matvey Fedorovich began to work in the Expedition for the construction of the Kremlin Palace, engaged in the implementation of government orders. In collaboration with the famous Bazhenov Kazakov, the Grand Kremlin Palace was erected. In 1775, Matvey Fedorovich received the title of independent architect, but did not stop working with Bazhenov. By the highest decree of Catherine the Second, Kazakov in 1776 developed the project of the Petrovsky Travel Palace.
The building was intended for the rest of distinguished guests after a long trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg. The shape of the building resembled classic buildings. A main courtyard, a couple of utility outbuildings were added to the main house.
Exterior decoration combined details of various styles. The high porch and white stone belts coexisted nicely with Gothic windows. After the construction of such an ensemble, Kazakov attracted many profitable orders.
One of the most famous was the Senate building. The structure erected in the style of Russian classicism fits perfectly into the complex of already standing buildings. The main focus was the round hall. For him, the roof was designed in the form of a giant dome supported by columns. The premises were decorated with bas-relief portraits and scenes. Contemporaries, the building was called the Russian pantheon and received the highest ratings.
Moscow University has become a new creation of the architect. The construction began in 1782. Work continued for more than ten years. The architect, striving for majestic simplicity, refused complex decor. The building resembled a large estate in the style of classicism. It fit perfectly into the existing ensemble. At the same time with the construction, work began on the reconstruction of the house of Mikhail Dolgoruky for the noble meeting in the capital.
