[ Monumental Sculpture ]
“Voyt” Monument in Minsk
Sculpture by Sergei Oganov, 2014
Monument Facts
- Location
- Minsk, Belarus
- Material
- Bronze
- Height
- 7.5 ft
- Weight
- 1763.7 lb
- Sculptor
- Sergei Oganov
- Architect
- Sergei Boglasov
Description and History
The monument to the city voyt in Minsk, known as “Voyt,” was created by sculptor Sergei Oganov and installed by the walls of Minsk City Hall in 2014. The work is dedicated to the granting of Magdeburg Rights to Minsk and the history of municipal self-government.
The voyt was the head of the city magistracy and one of the highest representatives of municipal authority under Magdeburg Rights. The figure holds two symbols of his authority: the key to the city and a royal charter. At the voyt’s feet lies a 16th-century plan of Minsk.
From the First Sketch to the Monument
Sergei Oganov created the first sketch for the future sculpture back in 2006 for an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Fine Art, where sculptors presented projects they wanted to realize in the urban space.
Oganov proposed a work dedicated to Magdeburg Rights. Initially, it was a small sketch that primarily indicated the general idea and composition of the future monument. In 2011, the project was approved, and in 2014 the sculpture took its place at Minsk City Hall.
“It was a small sketch — really, more of a schematic outline.”
How the Image of the Voyt Was Created
Documents preserved in the archives made it possible to establish the name of the first head of the Minsk magistracy, but his portraits had been lost. Sergei Oganov therefore did not attempt to reproduce the appearance of a specific person. The image of the voyt was conceived as a collective one and developed together with historians.
The sculptor paid particular attention to the character’s age and facial expression. In the initial version, the voyt looked considerably older, but his image was reconsidered during the creative process.
“In those years, people had shorter lifespans and attained their status at a younger age. If I initially modeled the voyt as a man of about sixty, he now looks about forty.”
The facial expression also changed: from overly good-natured to excessively serious. In the final version, Oganov sought to give it dignity and solemnity.
“In the final version, it looks noble; I would even say solemn.”
Symbolism of the Monument
Every detail of the sculpture is connected with the history of Minsk. At the voyt’s feet is a 16th-century plan of the city. In one hand he holds a key symbolizing municipal authority, and in the other, a royal charter granting Magdeburg Rights.
The charter reproduces the words: “Жадаем, каб усе жыхары горада Менска карысталіся правам Магдэбургскім…”
That is: “We wish that all residents of the city of Minsk enjoy the rights of Magdeburg Rights…”
This refers to the city’s right to its own self-government, court, and administration of internal affairs.
“Voyt” became one of Sergei Oganov’s key monumental works in Belarus and part of the architectural space of Minsk City Hall.