Ivan Starov
Ivan Yegorovich Starov entered the Imperial Moscow University in 1755. He transferred to the gymnasium of the Russian Academy of Sciences a year later. In 1758 he joined the Imperial Academy of Arts under Alexander Kokorinov and Jean-Baptiste Vallin de la Mothe. Graduation brought him honours, a money grant, and permission to travel abroad for study. From 1762 to 1768 he studied in Paris and Rome. Charles De Wailly taught him architecture in France. Back in Russia, he delivered lectures at the Academy of Arts. The institution named him academician in 1769 and professor in 1785.
Starov devised master plans for Yaroslavl, Voronezh, Pskov, Yekaterinoslav, and Nikolaev within the Russian Empire. His radial plan for Yaroslavl dates from 1778. This design cleverly highlights dozens of historic churches and towers. The city now stands as one of the World Heritage Sites. In 1790 he created the project for Nikolaev city next to the wharf between the Southern Bug and the Inhul rivers. These urban designs defined the growth of major towns across the empire. Starov helped found many cities in New Russia while working for Prince Potemkin.
The Demidov dacha near Peterhof appeared in 1769. It was commissioned by Starov's brother-in-law Alexander Demidov but destroyed by the Nazis. A chateau and church in Bogoroditsk emerged in 1773 under Count Bobrinsky. Another chateau and church in Nikolskoye near Moscow followed that same year with Prince Gagarin as patron. Taytsy featured a chateau, gothic gate, and park commissioned by Alexander Demidov in 1774. Suvoritsy received chateau and park pavilions from Pyotr Demidov in 1775. The Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra rose in St. Petersburg in 1778. The Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg appeared in 1783 for Prince Potemkin. Pella Palace on the Neva River stood until demolished by Catherine II's son Paul in 1784. The Lithuanian prison castle at the intersection of the Moyka and the Kryukov Canal fell after the 1917 fire. The Potemkin Palace in Yekaterinoslav completed work in 1786.
Starov worked extensively for Prince Potemkin after leaving his post as principal architect of St. Petersburg between 1772 and 1774. He helped Potemkin found major cities in New Russia. The Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg was commissioned by Prince Potemkin in 1783. An iron-cast grille and Gate Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra were also commissioned by the Holy Synod in 1783. A chateau in Ostrovki on the Neva River followed, currently ruined from neglect. The Potemkin mansion in Bogoyavlensk-on-the-Bug appeared in 1790. A magistrate and cathedral in Nikolaev emerged that same year under Potemkin's commission. The Potemkin mausoleum was commissioned by Potemkin's niece Countess Branicka but never executed. Catherine II of Russia commissioned Pella Palace on the Neva River in 1784. Starov held the post of principal architect of St. Petersburg between 1772 and 1774 before focusing on these commissions.
On the 30th of March 1771 Ivan Starov married Natalia Deimdova, daughter of a rich mine owner. Alexander Kokorinov served as best man at the wedding ceremony. On the 20th of May 1771 the newly wed couple purchased a mansion on Vasilyevsky Island. Three sons were born there: Alexander, Peter, and Paul. In 1776 the family moved to the Fontanka Embankment. Starov died on the 17th of April 1808. He was buried in the Lazarevskoe Cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. His early life began in a deacon's family.
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Common questions
When was Ivan Starov born and when did he die?
Ivan Yegorovich Starov lived from 1745 to the 17th of April 1808. He died in 1808 after a life dedicated to architecture within the Russian Empire.
What cities did Ivan Starov design master plans for during his career?
Ivan Starov devised master plans for Yaroslavl, Voronezh, Pskov, Yekaterinoslav, and Nikolaev within the Russian Empire. His radial plan for Yaroslavl dates from 1778 and highlights dozens of historic churches and towers.
Which major buildings did Ivan Starov construct for Prince Potemkin?
Ivan Starov designed the Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg which appeared in 1783 for Prince Potemkin. He also created the Potemkin Palace in Yekaterinoslav completed work in 1786 and the Potemkin mansion in Bogoyavlensk-on-the-Bug appearing in 1790.
Who were the parents of Ivan Starov and what was his early family background?
Ivan Starov began his early life in a deacon's family before entering higher education. He married Natalia Deimdova on the 30th of March 1771 and they had three sons named Alexander, Peter, and Paul.
Where is Ivan Starov buried after his death in 1808?
Ivan Starov died on the 17th of April 1808 and was buried in the Lazarevskoe Cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. This burial site remains associated with his final resting place following his death.