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KAZAKOV, Matvey Fyodorovich - b. 1738 Moscow, d. 1812 Ryazan - WGA

KAZAKOV, Matvey Fyodorovich

(b. 1738 Moscow, d. 1812 Ryazan)

Russian architect. He studied in Moscow at the school of architecture run by Dmitry Ukhtomskii (1751-1760). He established practice in Moscow and designed palaces, hospitals, official buildings and churches.

Kazakov was one of the most influential Muscovite architects during the reign of Catherine II, completing numerous private residences, two royal palaces, two hospitals, Moscow University, and the Kremlin Senate. Most of his works were destroyed by the Fire of 1812; they were later rebuilt with various degrees of alteration.

Exterior view
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Exterior view

The Senate building bore witness to the spirit of Neoclassicism. The ground plan was an isosceles triangle, which enclosed a domed rotunda at its apex over the main hall - one of Kazakov’s favourite motifs. Adjoining rooms were connected by corridors and gave on to a large inner courtyard defined by diagonal wings. This spatial arrangement represented a new type of administrative building. The exterior rested on a tall plinth divided by Doric pilasters which bracketed two floors. A portico of Ionic columns, giving entry to the interior courtyard, provided the fa�ade’s only relief.

In the 1990s, the Senate was converted to house Russian presidential administration. An indiscriminate reconstruction destroyed Kazakov’s interiors.

View the ground plan of Senate building, Kremlin, Moscow.

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Exterior view
Exterior view by

Exterior view

The Senate building bore witness to the spirit of Neoclassicism. The ground plan was an isosceles triangle, which enclosed a domed rotunda at its apex over the main hall - one of Kazakov’s favourite motifs. Adjoining rooms were connected by corridors and gave on to a large inner courtyard defined by diagonal wings. This spatial arrangement represented a new type of administrative building. The exterior rested on a tall plinth divided by Doric pilasters which bracketed two floors. A portico of Ionic columns, giving entry to the interior courtyard, provided the fa�ade’s only relief.

View the ground plan of Senate building, Kremlin, Moscow.

Send Postcard Learn More
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