Modern Style (part 1)

 

I am deeply in love with the Modern Style, that was used by architects at the begging of the 20 th century. Fedor Shechtel was its prominent representative, the talented painter, graphic artist and architect who constructed the private residences for the richest Russian industrialists. One of the most exciting villas that I had a chance to visit was The Ryabushinsky House, the real miracle, that is still alive after the cruel years of the Soviet Union. This house demonstrates the astonishing times of Imperial Russia, its avant-garde  thoughts and extreme opulence.When you examine the delicate interior details, at every sight you can find the naturalist  elements: the central  standing curve with the jellyfish lamp, flowers and snails on the ceiling, roses on the doors, mysterious lizards and insects. Inside, your imagination runs away with you: this house is full of life, it is breathing, its secret animal inhabitants are moving and plants send  forth tender fragrance.

I will say nothing about its destiny after the revolution, but, thank Heaven, it was partly saved. 

Fedor Shechtel died in poverty in 1925. In his last letter he wrote to Ivan Sytin (the  largest publishing house owner): "I have made projects for Morozov, Ryabushinsky, Von Derwies, and remained poor. It is stupid, but I broke to the wide..."