On Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, a monument to Minin and Pozharsky. Originally, it was in the middle of the square. Monument raised in 1818 and executed by the sculptor Ivan Martos. Funds for its construction were collected by subscription among the population. The discovery resulted in the monument of national celebration as a feat of heroes - Minin and Pozharsky liberated Moscow from capture it in the early XVII century Poles - like similar events in 1812. Martos created his work in common then classical forms. Group composition beautifully constructed. Subtle rhythm connects the two figures. However, the monument, the first in Moscow, in its own decorative. He expressive silhouette, clearly visible in the distance - a gesture calling Minin immediately conveys the idea of sculpture. Equally well two bas-reliefs on the pedestal, and they are devoted to the topics of "the expulsion of the Poles" and "Nizhny Novgorod citizens." In the second bas-relief Martos depicted himself with his sons.
