Monument to Ivan Fedorov in Moscow

The idea to install a monument to Ivan Fedorov was born in 1870. The initiative came from the Moscow Archaeological Society. In the same year, an all-Russian subscription was announced, the funds from which it was intended to send for the development and installation of the monument. In 39 years, in 1909, the grand opening of the monument took place.

Historical background

The first printed edition appeared in Russia, dated March 1, 1564, but this work began long before the book was published - April 19, 1563. The name of the man who devoted many years of his life to the printed matter - Moskovitin Ivan Fedorovich. Descendants, he is known as the first printer Ivan Fedorov.

Fyodorov's biography is not fully understood. In particular, there is no reliable information about his appearance, details of private life. However, it is known that by the time Ivan Fedorov started printing, he had a spiritual rank - he served as a deacon in one of the churches of the Moscow Kremlin and was among the close associates of Metropolitan Makarios.

Before these events he graduated from Cracow University and was awarded the title of Bachelor. For those times, such an education was considered very prestigious. It is assumed that it was in his student years that Ivan Fedorov became acquainted with the technology of book printing, which was invented by Johann Gutenberg.

Description of the sculpture

Monument to Ivan Fedorov is installed on a low pedestal, where the date of the first printed book is indicated. It also shows the sign "IF". This is how the master celebrated all his works. On the back of the pedestal there is an inscription taken from the afterword to the first book printed on the machine.

The sculpture depicts the figure of a man dressed as a master. Given the fact that there is no information about the appearance of Ivan Fedorov, we can assume that the creators of the monument presented in their work a generalized image of a Russian person.

In the right hand the master holds a sheet with a printed impression. With his left hand he holds the board - an element of the printing press.

Authors of the sculptural composition

The story, which tells how the monument to Ivan Fedorov appeared in Moscow, is treated differently by different art historians. Some of them claim that in 1901 a competition was announced for the creation of a sculptural composition, as a result of which the architects Volnukhin and the sculptor Mashkov became winners. Their idea was so appealing to the jury members that there were no chances to win with other competitors.
According to contemporaries, artists who wanted to participate in the contest, where it was necessary to create a monument to Ivan Fedorov, was very much. Their projects were presented not only by the compatriots of the great enlightener, but also by talented artists from many European countries.

Choosing a place to install a monument in Moscow

The place where the monument to Ivan Fyodorov stands is not historical. Initially, he was near Nikolskaya street. It was there that the first Printing House was located. The printing house of the Printing House was headed by Ivan Fedorov.

It was here that the first copy of the "Apostle" was published. This event dates back to 1563-1564. Historically, it was on Nikolskaya Street that there were always a lot of bookstores and second-hand shops. Often the street was called "book".

In the XX century, the monument to Ivan Fedorov in Moscow moved from place to place several times. Such decisions were taken by the government in connection with the political changes in the life of the country or were associated with the unfolding construction in this part of the city.

The public of the capital comes up with proposals that say that the monument to Ivan Fyodorov should take a worthy place, connected with the history of printing in Russia. This proposal is supported by historians, clergymen and all those who cherish the history of Russia.

The story of the monument to Ivan Fyodorov and his companions during their stay in Moscow can be heard from any guide who conducts excursions to these memorable places.

Printing in Ukraine and Lithuania

The events of those far years, when Ivan Fedorov lived, unfolded so that he and his closest aide Peter Mstislavets, had to leave Moscow. This was preceded by the arson of the printing house, which was destroyed by fire, and fierce persecution of the copyists by the masters of the printing business.

First, Ivan Fedorov went to Lithuania, where he also took up the business of his life. The books that were printed here had not only a religious orientation, but also an educational one. One of these books was a tool for literacy.
Later, Ivan Fedorov moved to Ukrainian lands. Here he opened his own printing house and started printing in Ukraine. It was in this printing house that the second edition of the "Apostle" was released.

December 5, 1583 Ivan Fedorov died and was buried in Lviv in the famous Holy Onufriev Monastery.

In the fate of this illustrious person there were not only fame and honors. He had to experience persecution, hatred of people, poverty, betrayal. But all the tests have been overcome thanks to the firm belief in the correctness of their business.

The Legacy of Ivan Fedorov

At present, there are twelve publications published directly by Ivan Fedorov. All of them are the most valuable monuments of printed art and are the property of those states in whose territory they are stored.
Visitors to museums can see the fonts cast by the masters of the first printing houses. They are clearly read and now. The capital letters, screensavers, endings of the pages of the books are distinguished by the subtlety of the work and the extraordinary elegance of the drawing.

The main distinguishing feature of all the books printed by Ivan Fedorov is the presence in them of the preface and afterword of the publisher. The language of these appeals is simple and understandable to every person. This only says that Ivan Fyodorov foresaw the future of mankind for the printed book. He never doubted that his messages would be read by new generations.

Memory of descendants

The monument to the first printer Ivan Fedorov is not only in the Russian capital. This person is remembered and in other countries of the world. His services to humanity are enormous, and people honor the memory of him. The monument to Ivan Fedorov was installed in Lviv. In addition, there is a museum of art of the ancient Ukrainian book. This cultural institution bears the name of Ivan Fedorov.

In 1983, according to the decision of the international organization of UNESCO, the 400th anniversary of the death of this outstanding man was celebrated all over the world. Annually in Moscow there are book fairs. Within the framework of this event, events are always planned where they recall the merits of Ivan Fedorov and his associates.