As the venerable Gorky Film Studio in Moscow gears up for its momentous 110th anniversary, a remarkable discovery has emerged from its depths: a 65-year-old bas-relief depicting the studio`s namesake, literary giant Maxim Gorky. This unexpected find, unearthed during extensive reconstruction and modernization efforts, not only adds a new chapter to the studio`s rich history but also shines a light on a long-overlooked artist.
The Gorky bas-relief, now proudly displayed at the historic film studio. Photo: Gorky Film Studio Press Service
A Storied Legacy in Celluloid
The Gorky Film Studio, officially bearing Maxim Gorky`s name since 1948, boasts a cinematic legacy few can rival. It is the birthplace of hundreds of films that have become cornerstones of Russian and Soviet cinema. From beloved children`s classics like “Chuk and Gek” and “Vasek Trubachev and His Comrades” to profound dramas such as “Three Poplars at Plyushchikha,” “The Commissar,” and “The Dawns Here Are Quiet,” the studio’s output has profoundly shaped national storytelling. Even more recent hits, including the action-packed “Pirates of the 20th Century” and the nostalgic science-fiction of “Guest from the Future,” graced its soundstages. For decades, this studio was a vibrant hub of creativity, a pulsating heart of national cinema.
From Golden Age to `Long Slumber` and Revival
Yet, like many venerable institutions, the studio has navigated its share of tumultuous periods. Following its golden age, particularly in the post-Soviet era, the Gorky Film Studio entered what some might politely call a `long slumber.` There were valiant attempts at resuscitation in the 1990s, with low-budget projects attracting young talent and sparking a brief, but fervent, creative resurgence. Veteran director Stanislav Rostotsky famously quipped about a rise in `heart attacks` – a rather poetic way to describe the renewed passion, conflict, and sheer dedication that once again coursed through the studio`s veins. Alas, this burst of energy often proved fleeting, and the studio largely receded from the limelight, awaiting a more definitive revival.
During these decades of ebb and flow, the studio`s labyrinthine corridors occasionally yielded forgotten treasures – rolls of unique film, historical props, and other artifacts. Often, these finds testified to a glorious past that had, regrettably, become somewhat disowned. The Gorky bas-relief is precisely one such gem.
The Unveiling of a Hidden Gem
Its recent unveiling occurred this past summer within the studio`s historic building on Sergey Eisenstein Street. Staff were preparing for the momentous transfer of the costume and prop collection to a new, modern facility when the artifact came to light. What began as a logistical operation soon transformed into an archaeological-like excavation of cultural heritage. Initial examination of the bas-relief, which depicts the distinctive profile of Maxim Gorky, revealed its age but not immediately its creator. A meticulous investigation was launched, ultimately leading to the identification of its then 94-year-old sculptor, Valentin Shikharev.
Sculptor and artist Valentin Shikharev alongside his creation. Photo: Gorky Film Studio Press Service
Valentin Shikharev: A Life Dedicated to Art
A distinguished production designer, Shikharev had worked as a sculptor at the studio during the 1950s and 60s. He drew inspiration from the monumental works of Ivan Shadr, particularly his busts and monuments of Gorky, infusing his own piece with a unique blend of classical influence and a subtle, abstract modernism that echoed artists like Exter, Lentulov, and the Vesnin brothers.
Shikharev`s artistic journey extends far beyond the Gorky Film Studio. Having graduated from the Moscow Art and Industrial College in 1949, his prolific career saw him contribute significantly to theatrical arts. He designed over 50 stage productions across Russia, from Sverdlovsk and Perm to Orenburg, Tyumen, Vladimir, and Murmansk. He also lent his talents to esteemed institutions like the Maly Theatre and the Satire Theatre. His commemorative works include memorial plaques for renowned figures such as director Valentin Pluchek and actors Vera Pashennaya, Georgy Menglet, Nina Arkhipova, and Olga Aroseva. The rediscovery of his Gorky bas-relief at the very studio where he once sculpted now adds another layer of recognition to his remarkable 94 years.
The Bas-Relief`s Journey: From Brand to Billet-Doux
According to Shikharev, the bas-relief was originally conceived to `enliven` the studio`s brand, to give it a `human face.` It was intended to be featured at the beginning of every Gorky Film Studio production, much like the iconic Mosfilm logo. While a few films did bear this new emblem, its use mysteriously waned, eventually relegated to official stationery and tickets until the 1970s. Crafted initially in clay, Shikharev`s vision of Gorky was later immortalized in a larger format after his departure from the studio.
“The bas-relief turned out to be alive, that’s what I like about it most,” Shikharev recounts. “If you look closely, it feels as if he’s looking straight at you.” This living image of Gorky, once relegated to the archives of memory and official correspondence, now holds a place of honor in the studio`s historic building, accessible not only to staff but also to the curious visitors who come for tours.
A Symbol of Enduring Spirit
The reappearance of this 65-year-old artwork is more than just an archival triumph; it`s a potent symbol of the Gorky Film Studio`s enduring spirit and its ongoing journey of renewal. As it approaches its 110th anniversary, the studio isn`t merely celebrating a long past but also re-embracing its foundational symbols and the human stories behind them. It’s a testament that sometimes, the most promising steps forward are taken when we look back, carefully, at the treasures we`ve left behind, dusting them off to inspire a new generation.
