Elk (sculpture), Vyborg: the year of creation and where is located

Many cities have a certain difference in the form of a monument. The well-known creation of Jussi Mäuntünen's hands is the moose (sculpture). Vyborg is a famous city due to this animal with a rich history. Established this "guard of order" in the park "Esplanade."

In full size in the 1920s the bronze moose (sculpture) was created. Vyborg, undoubtedly, is associated with residents and visitors of the city with this majestic forest giant. The master was inspired by his creation by the Karelian-Finnish epic "Kalevala". The figure is very realistic, so when you see it, you get the impression that you met a real suckling in a forest clearing. In addition, the elk seems even more than it really is, thanks to a small elevation, a granite block and a bronze step.

There is also a legend telling that the monument was delivered to the elk, who managed to save several hunters in the cold winter from a whole pack of fierce wolves. Originating suddenly from nowhere, he began to beat the hungry predators with hoofs and horns. Los got a serious wound, but still managed to take the embittered animals into the depths of the forest, thereby saving people. There was also a belief: if you want to return here in full health, rub the hooves of the animal.

Elk (sculpture), Vyborg: description

So, some details. Moose is a sculpture, Vyborg who honors and loves. At any time of year to see it many tourists rush. Among the citizens of the monument is also incredibly popular, because in fact it is their symbol.

Copies of such moose are also found in three Finnish cities - Helsinki, Turku and Lahti. However, they were somewhat lost to some extent. While the Vyborg monument became a landmark symbol of the city. In Turku and Lahti moose are set on level surfaces, on neatly trimmed lawns in parks. Therefore, they do not seem so majestic. They look much less than their colleague. Although their size is not small. The same goes for the moose, established in Helsinki. He stands on the lawn in front of the museum building. But Vyborg sculpture is located on a hillock. Its granite pedestal has the form of continuation of the natural landscape.

This case is a clear example of what is important for sculptures environment. Mänteenen's author's intention fully reveals the correctly chosen place by the master. And one more serious moment. According to tourists, Finnish animals are very uncomfortable for those who want to be photographed. Floods are forbidden to trample here. Vyborgsky elk flaunts in the background of the library. Look at such photos just great - a majestic forest animal against a white elegant building. Romantic and natural neighborhood in the greenery of the park create an association with the unity of man and nature.

date of creation

Another important point. It is worth noting the following fact about what constitutes an elk (sculpture, Vyborg). The year of creation in various sources, sometimes, varies between 1924 and 1928. Why is that?

The fact is that the very sculpture was carved out exactly the date of 1924. A sculpture made of plaster Mantinenom was there then, and then presented to them at the Northern Hunting Exhibition. Representatives of the association of hunters of Finland, who organized it, immediately put the highest evaluation in this work.

Over the years, the sculpture was cast from bronze four times. She was brought to Vyborg in 1928. Hence the confusion in the dates. The copies appeared a little later. In Lahti, at the request of former residents of Vyborg - in 1955, in Turku - in 1969 at the initiative of the author himself, in Helsinki in 1972.

Purchase history in Vyborg

And now more about the main figure. How did the main elk-sculpture appear in the city? Vyborg, as already mentioned, took the booty in 1928. This happened thanks to Johann Kisimir von Zweiberg. This man was one of the largest donors of the city in the XIX century. By the way, the pharmacy on Red Square, still working, belonged to him. Maecenas was bequeathed to send money in the amount of 167 500 marks for the decoration of the city. They received the great moose, as well as a statue of the small fisherman sculptor Hovi and the forest boy sculptor Liipola. By the way, both the elk and the boy were able to survive both wars.

Cases of vandalism

All the inhabitants of the city know this monument. Moose is a sculpture Vyborg has loved since its inception. Unfortunately, after surviving two wars, the elk suffered from the hands of local vandals. Such merciless barbarism at that time was outraged by all the townspeople. Many even cried, not understanding how someone raised the hand to commit such crimes.

Yes, 1991 is known for dropping an elk from its bronze pedestal. Many argue that this was done because of the coins left by tourists in the hole in the back leg of the animal. The currency at that time was worth a lot. Here in this case, and manifested a human greed.

Restoration

There is one more version about why the elk (sculpture) was dropped. Vyborg address for sukhatoy chose, it would seem, successful (park "Esplanade"). However, after the failure of the putsch, after the announcement of mourning for the dead and the cancellation of the disco, the angry vandals went all to break and break it into the park. At the elk dropped to the ground, then one horn fell off.

To begin with, the sculpture was taken to Sovtransavto. After that - at the shipyard. Many people took part in the restoration. Elk immediately began to bring in the original state. On its surface were a lot of dents and breaks. Those places where it was necessary to weld, were chalked. Next acted as a welder in accordance with the instructions of the sculptor. The latter then took up his work - turning, chasing, oxidation (coating with a protective film). The sculpture was restored for two months.

The monument was dropped without a granite foundation. The stone remained in place. But the bronze plinth fell with the figure. However, before that, she rocked a little, loosely standing on the granite. That is, the moose was not fixed. Therefore, the factory had to straighten the base of the plinth and weld to it a special plate with pins. For strength, it was also installed on cement mortar. Once the elk returned to his place, he got there just perfect. In a word, everything was calculated exactly.

Sculpture fasteners

Thus, the monument was securely fixed. Ideas for this sculptor drew, looking at the base of the monument to Lenin - a rigid, faced with granite slabs. Master watched as the monument was fixed during installation. They were marked by powerful pins coming from the base and screwed to the plinth with the same powerful nuts. There were also made special decks filled with oil from rust.

Coins

Not only the ornament of the city is still the moose (sculpture, Vyborg). Photo tourists, of course, next to him do necessarily. But there is one more famous, unforgettable tradition. People still throw coins into the hole on the back leg of the moose. According to the sculptor, who restored the figure, the holes were also in other places, located much higher. They were welded, as they were regarded as traces left from shell fragments. Some of them were flat, some were ragged. However, it is possible that they were left intentionally, so that the microclimate was kept within the figure. Bronze moose is a hollow product with an iron frame inside. It is subject to climatic influences - the condensate must have an outlet. Therefore, brewed holes, it is possible, absolutely in vain. It will be noticeable only with time.

Past, Present and Future

In general, today the elk (sculpture, Vyborg) image of the city helps to save the best way. It reminds residents and visitors about the history, about many experiences. Also, just an excellent ornament of the city is the moose (sculpture). Vyborg preserves the image of the monument and keeps it.

Now the figure is in good condition. However, one should not forget about the combination of bronze and metal skeleton. This is not the best pair in the electrolytic sense. Therefore, the monument can be threatened in the future. In a word, it is necessary to watch and take care of the sculptures. In this case, the magnificent creation of Mäyttünen will not be lost.