Winged genius

myminifactory

This monument was created by Russian sculptor Mikhail Belov, in collaboration with A. Ananyev and V. Timinsky, architect V. Tsekhomsky, and designer E. Belova. It was installed at the entrance to the Twelve Colleges building on February 26, 2007. The idea of creating a monument to the University and launching a campaign for its installation originated with the Cultural Foundation "Famous University students of St. Petersburg State University". The University monument is an allegorical bronze figure of a flying winged Genius with a torch of knowledge and a laurel wreath (currently missing or being restored). According to ancient mythology, Genius is the patron of courageous, distinguished, advanced, and extraordinary personalities, which are the defining characteristics of St. Petersburg University graduates. The soaring figure of Genius is based on a stylized bronze column, symbolizing the inviolability of knowledge that serves as the foundation for all achievements. A highly raised torch in one hand represents knowledge illuminating humanity's path. A laurel wreath in the other signifies preeminence on the path to knowledge. The flying figure personifies the unstoppable flight of thought and the genius of mankind. The front inscription reads: "Dedicated to universitarians", while the back explains the origin of the sculpture: "The idea of creating a monument came from the Cultural Foundation 'Famous University students of St. Petersburg State University'. Sculptor Belov M.V. collaborated with Ananyev A.A. and Timinsky V.V. Architect Tsekhomsky V.V. Designer Belova E.I."