The author of the monument-ensemble to the heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad, Evgeny Vuchetich, tells the participants of the battle, Alexey Zhadov, Vasily Chuikov, and Andrey Eremenko about the creation of the monument. Behind them is the sculpture "Stand to the Death!" 1961, Volgograd. Photo: RIA Novosti / Alexander Mokletsov
Art has a unique ability to capture the essence of its subjects, preserving their stories and legacies for generations. Such is the case with the marble portrait of Vasily Ivanovich Chuikov, created by the esteemed sculptor Evgeny Vuchetich. This sculpture, and the enduring relationship between artist and subject, speaks to the profound impact of Chuikov’s leadership and the skill of Vuchetich as an artist-storyteller. Together, they remind us of the courage and humanity that shape history and art alike.
Journalist Ruslan Semyashkin shared more about Vuchetich, who was known as the 'Soviet Michelangelo,' in his article titled “Walk in Step with the People”:
“For the creation of the portrait of V.I. Chuikov, executed in marble, Vuchetich was awarded the Stalin Prize of the second degree in 1948. Working on it, the sculptor embodied the image of the courageous defender of Stalingrad, the strong-willed commander of the legendary 62nd Army, with whom he would continue to maintain good relations.
Vuchetich then focused all his attention on the face of the army commander. A little severe, weather-beaten, with sharp folds at his tightly compressed lips and on his cheeks, it attracted one with its seriousness and spiritual significance. The gaze of Vasily Ivanovich's slightly narrowed eyes was firm and focused, it spoke of the unyielding strength, fortitude, courage and self-control of the hero, visible in his appearance and stately figure.
This is how Chuikov appeared to the sculptor in the following years. In one of the chapters of his book The Artist and Life, Vuchetich recalled: ‘When I was working on the composition Stand to the Death for the monument being built on Mamayev Kurgan, I tried to imagine as clearly as possible what the grandiose hero of our land should look like, who, having faced death, stood firm. And all the time, the face and figure of Vasily Ivanovich Chuikov arose in my creative imagination. […]
When I started working on Chuikov's portrait, I didn't try to be too clever. His character, his whole lifestyle, his activities are so clear, his appearance is so expressive, that I was mainly concerned with making him as similar as possible. This was exactly the case where life itself is better than any creative concept of the artist.’”
Marshal Chuikov’s image, immortalized in Vuchetich’s marble creation, stands as a testament to the strength of character and the power of art to preserve history. In reflection of this remarkable collaboration, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of those who shaped pivotal moments in history—and the artists who ensure their stories live on.
Outstanding Soviet monumental sculptor, People's Artist of the USSR
Evgeny Viktorovich Vuchetich (1908-1974)