Matvey Kazakov is a famous Russian architect. One of the largest representatives of Russian pseudo-Gothic during the reign of Catherine II rebuilt the center of Moscow in the Palladian style, became the developer of standard building projects.
Thanks to the contribution of Matvey Fedorovich Kazakov, Moscow was transformed into a city with 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 into a Moscow copyist family in November. He became interested in architecture from an early age. Matvey could sit for hours on the scaffolding to sketch the buildings that impressed him. When the head of the family died, the mother applied for the child's enrollment in the capital's architectural school.
By a decision of the Senate in 1751, the talented boy was admitted to full board. Kazakov studied with Prince Ukhtomsky. The basics of the science of architecture were taught to pupils from the treatises of French and Italian architects. The pupils were also instilled in love for Russian architecture. It was during the years of study that the main feature of Kazakov's work, a combination of ancient Russian and classical architecture, was formed.
Matvey Fedorovich began the practical application of knowledge at school. He was engaged in the measurement of ancient buildings, the restoration of dilapidated Kremlin buildings, budgeting, work on construction sites, headed by his teachers. The head of the school himself noted Kazakov.
Confession
The young man was appointed Ukhtomsky's junior assistant. In Moscow, the mentor was engaged in the construction of the "Reserve Palace" near the Red Gate, the completion of the Arsenal, the reconstruction of the Main Pharmacy. Kazakov helped the teacher in all his deeds. In 1760 the prince retired. Instead of him, Pyotr Nikitin stood at the head of the school.
The new leader appointed Kazakov as his deputy, who by that time had received the rank of ensign of architecture. One of the first tasks of the new team was the restoration of the almost completely burnt-out Tver.
Kazakov participated in the design of houses. He designed the exterior and interior decoration of Nikita Demidov's trading office, erected the Travel Palace, which became the most remarkable building in the city. After such a notable work, Kazakov was among the first architects of the empire. He received many orders.
After the Tver fire, urban planning reforms began throughout the country. Density of building, erection of buildings made of wood, and winding streets were named as the main causes of ignition. Therefore, the largest reconstruction began in Moscow.
Significant works
In 1768 Matvey Fedorovich began work in the Expedition to build the Kremlin Palace, which was engaged in the fulfillment of state orders. In collaboration with the famous Bazhenov Kazakov, the Grand Kremlin Palace was erected. In 1775 Matvey Fedorovich received the title of an independent architect, but did not stop working with Bazhenov. By the highest decree of Catherine the Second, the Kazakovs in 1776 developed a project for the Petrovsky Traveling Palace.
The building was intended for the recreation of eminent guests after a long trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg. The shape of the building was reminiscent of classical buildings. A front yard and a couple of outbuildings were added to the main house.
In the exterior, details of different styles were combined. The tower's high porch and white-stone belts perfectly coexisted with the Gothic windows. After its construction, such an ensemble attracted many lucrative orders to Kazakov.
One of the most famous was the Senate building. The building, erected in the style of Russian classicism, fits perfectly into the complex of those already standing. The round hall became the main accent. The roof was designed for it in the form of a giant dome, supported by columns. The room was decorated with bas-relief portraits and scenes. Contemporaries called the building the Russian pantheon and received the highest marks.
Moscow University became a new creation of the architect. Construction began in 1782. Work continued for over ten years. The architect, striving for majestic simplicity, abandoned the complex decor. The building resembled a large estate in the style of classicism. It fits perfectly into the existing ensemble. At the same time with the construction, work began on rebuilding the house of Mikhail Dolgoruky for the capital's noble assembly.
Completion of works
From 1886 Kazakov took up the post of chief architect in Moscow. He headed the Kremlin expedition. From now on, everything was arranged according to the designs of Matvey Fedorovich. Kazakov masterfully inscribed the author's ensembles in the quarters that had stood for years.
Classic buildings with columns streamlined the confusion of the streets of the capital and gave the appearance of the ancient city nobility. The architect started to build tenement houses and comfortable and rather small mansions for living. He redesigned the old manor planning system.
The houses were now located along a clearly defined line. The classic style gave the estates a compact proportion. The estates were decorated with pilasters and cornices. The decoration inside was complemented by wall paintings.
By the beginning of the 19th century, Matvey Fedorovich organized his own architectural school. Many famous architects in the future studied there: Egotov, Bakarev, Bove, Tamansky. The master compiled the "General Atlas of Moscow" with his students. For restorers, it has become an invaluable document.
The personal life of the architect also settled down. With their chosen one, Varvara Alekseevna, they became husband and wife. The family had six children: daughters of Agrafena, Catherine, Elizabeth, sons Vasily, Pavel, Matvey. The master passed away at the end of October.
