Andrei Halias

The Fountain "Boy with a Swan" is not only the oldest fountain in Minsk but also the only pre-revolutionary sculpture that has survived in the city. Installed in 1874 in <a href="https://findit.city/en/belarus/minsk/leisure/recreation/parks/49/description">Alexandrovsky Square</a>, it was erected in honor of the launch of the water supply system, which provided the city with clean artesian water. This event marked an important step in the development of Minsk's infrastructure and the improvement of the quality of life for its residents.

Description of the Fountain
The sculpture depicts a boy gently embracing a swan by the neck. Around the fountain, there are figures of frogs from whose mouths streams of water spout, creating a picturesque composition. The fountain was originally adorned with live turtles and fish, making it unique in the city.

Legend about the Author
The sculpture "Boy with a Swan" was created by the talented sculptor Theodor Erdman Kalide in 1833-1834. Although local folklore attributed its authorship to the famous Italian Lorenzo Bernini, in reality, this work was Kalide's first independent composition. It was showcased at an exhibition in London in 1851, where it received high praise from critics and was awarded a medal. After that, the sculptor received orders to create copies for the gardens of European monarchs.

Historical Trials
The fountain has survived many trials. During World War I, it was not affected, but in the 1930s, the Soviet government planned to dismantle it as a specimen of "alien culture." Fortunately, these plans were not realized. However, the fountain suffered significant damage during the Great Patriotic War, and its restoration was handled by the renowned Soviet sculptor Zair Azgur.

In peacetime, the fountain again became a target of vandalism. In 1981, two drunken men damaged the sculpture, breaking the boy's arm and the swan's neck. But once again, the fountain was successfully restored, and during the restoration process, the sculpture was gilded.

Contemporary Significance
The fountain "Boy with a Swan" has become an integral part of Minsk's culture. Every year in spring, it is restarted, and residents happily bring their families here, creating new memories against the backdrop of this historical sculpture. The area around the fountain has received the popular name "Panikovka" due to associations with a character from the works of I. Ilf and E. Petrov.

The fountain continues to attract the attention of tourists and locals, serving as a symbol of Minsk that holds not only beauty but also a rich history. A visit to the fountain "Boy with a Swan" is an essential part of sightseeing and educational tours of the city, highlighting its cultural significance for Minsk.

Fountain "Boy with a Swan"

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