Antique Mascarons in the System of Meanings of the Russian Architecture of the 19th — Early 20th Centuries

Abstract

The article discusses the basic semantic and compositional principles of the location of ancient-themed mascarons in the space of the Russian architecture of the 19th — early 20th centuries on the example of buildings in Moscow and St Petersburg. They have appeared in the focus of the search for artistic expression by Russian sculptors and architects. Nevertheless, mascarons have never been the subject of specialized scientific research. The accents they bring to the figurative concept of structures are very instructive for understanding the system of meanings of some works of Russian architecture. All this determines the relevance of addressing this issue. The study uses formal stylistic and comparative methods of analysis.

Keywords

• mascaron
• sculpture
• statue
• relief
• architecture
• antiquity
• classicism
• tradition
• mythology
• mask
• ancient gods
• ancient heroes