Capricious Princess Turandot fountain sculpture

Capricious Princess Turandot fountain sculpture
Who is Princess Turandot? According to legend, Turandot is the proud and self-willed daughter of the Chinese Emperor Altoom. In general, she is famous for her refuses to marry. And the reason is that she is sure that all men are “insidious, deceitful in heart, and they can not love.” So, to avoid a hated marriage and not upset her father, who because of her led many wars, Turandot comes up with a cunning plan. In particular, she asks to inform everyone that any prince may have a chance to marry her. But provided that she will offer the applicant three riddles, and a prince who can solve the riddles will become her husband. However, who won’t be able to solve them – will lose his head.
Meanwhile, the golden sculpture of the princess is part of the fountain, known as the “Princess Turandot” Fountain. Located on Arbat Street in Moscow, the fountain appeared in 1997 in front of the entrance of the E.Vakhtangov Theater. In addition, it commemorates the 850th anniversary of Moscow and the 75th anniversary of the production of “The Princess Turandot” by Carlo Gozzi’s fairy tale.
The team who worked on the sculpture architects M. Kharitonov, Z. Kharitonova, M. Belov, sculptor Alexander Burganov, and the restorer A. I. Smolyaninova, who performed blacksmith works. The structure is an oval granite cup. In the center of this cup on a high pedestal, the gilded princess is sitting on the throne. This is a capricious Turandot, who became an iconic figure and talisman of the theater named after E. Vakhtangov.
Located far from the pedestrian zone, the fountain is on a small square opposite the entrance to the theater. According to the architectural style, the monument organically fits the surrounding Arbat. Around the monument fountain is a long stone bench, which has become a popular place for lovers. In the evenings, illuminated fountain gives the Arbat even more romanticism and mystery.
Sadly, once evil people, deceived by the non-ferrous metal, sawed off her hand, but the princess was restored in all its gilded beauty to the joy of the Old Arbat.
Soviet and Russian sculptor Alexander Nikolaevich Burganov (born March 20, 1935, Baku, USSR) – doctor of art, teacher and professor. He is a Member of the Presidium, Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts (1997 and Corresponding Member (1988). People’s Artist of the RSFSR (1988), Laureate of the State Prize of the USSR (1982) and the State Prize of Mongolia (1987).
On the Russian – Soviet scene, the Chinese princess appeared in 1922, thanks to the efforts of the theater under the leadership of Evgeny Vakhtangov. “The Princess Turandot” performance became a classic of the genre and the hallmark of the Vakhtangov Theater.
Meanwhile, established in 1991 theatrical prize “Crystal Turandot” honors this famous performance. The award bears the name of the princess, who became in Russia a symbol of theatricality. The ceremony takes place in a bright theatrical form with elegant concert performances according to the original script. Traditionally, laureates receive a crystal figure symbolizing the exacting Chinese princess.
Initially, the award was officially named “The Higher Theater Award” Crystal Turandot “, and since 2009 -” The First Theater Award “Crystal Turandot”. In connection with the renaming, the appearance of the main prize has changed. In addition, “Crystal Ball of Crystal Turandot” takes place – with creative performances, in honor of the winners of the award.
Capricious Princess Turandot fountain sculpture













