The monument to G.K.Zhukov

At first it was planned to place the monument to G.K.Zhukov on the Red Square before the Historical museum, opposite to other saviours of Fatherland - Minin and Pozharsky. But, fortunately, UNESCO interfered. Because the Red Square - a monument of history and culture of world value - is under UNESCO protection it is not a subject for any «changes and additions». Then a sculpture was place on Manezhnaya Square, closely to the office entrance of the Historical museum. The place was chosen unsuccessfully: a monument  is put from a North side of the big building shading a monument. Zhukov always looks dark, and in twilight simply black because the evening illumination is not provided. It is the most "not photogenic" monument in Moscow.

V.M.Klykov made a sculpture in tradicionalistic spirit of a socialist realism. Its creation quite possible to put in one number with monuments to leaders and commanders of times of a cult of personality. In in essence, a monument - the veiled glorification of Soviet-partokraticheskoj epoch. Not accidentally today's communists chose this place for their meetings.

Lots of critical remarks were spoken to Klykov's address. Art circles appreciated a monument rather cool. Even Zurab Tsereteli cautiously noticed: «You know, sculptor Klykov - very presented person, but in this case it is not so. And I think, he knows it». Alexander Rukavishnikov expressed more frankly: «I don't like the Monument to Zhukov for sculptural, aesthetic reasons. I don't speak about proportions - I do not like the decision within the limits of this aim. I consider, that it is Klykov's failure».

But the author stoically easy concerned criticism: « I know, that this sculpture is made professionally, competently as I have planned it. It is possible to agree or disagree with a monument - I am absolutely assured that I have made all correctly and that image, that composition which was conceived, - are made by me. I wanted to transfer an image of the commander who, as though having pulled reins, has brought the Victory, trampling fascist flags to the walls of the ancient Kremlin. That was the idea. Therefore I have chosen such a rhythmical, almost drum-type step».

The glorified marshal is shown on a pedestal at the peak of glory and greatness - at the moment of acceptance of Parade of the Victory on June, 24th, 1945. And as you can see, bronze George Zhukov involuntarily causes hints with George Pobedonostsem which image is placed in the monument basis.