A. Poleshchuk: Creative Biography of the Russian-Estonian Architect and a Retrospective Direction in Russian Church Architecture of the Early 20th Century

This article is devoted to the creative biography of largest Russian-Estonian architect at turn 19th–20th centuries A. Poleshchuk and retrospectivism in Russian church architecture beginning twentieth century, which was his main method. The works great master are still poorly studied, scientific publications practically not him. At same time, being a pupil St Petersburg Academy Arts, awarded title academic, position professor, proved himself capital as author such monumental structures Geological Committee Church Isidor with house Orthodox Estonian brotherhood. He owns project most Baltics century — Assumption Cathedral Pyukhtitsa Monastery, where he worked from student years under guidance teacher prof. M. Preobrazhensky. A native Estonia an on maternal side, made invaluable contribution formation professional architectural school country. chairman Estland Engineering Society Technical Petrograd, then actively involved teaching Tallinn professor Polytechnic College chief educational adviser Construction Board. known theorist, specialist theory vaults, fundamental courses “Lectures art building” 10 volumes, two-volume guide bridge construction. examines detail milestones path context history 20th mainly, retrospectivism. features work, diverse typology stylistics (Russian style, neoclassicism, neo-Renaissance, neo-baroque), analyzed. In conclusion, stylistic classification retrospective directions late 19th early examples relevant monuments proposed. based both little-known published materials and, newly discovered archival documents depositories Petersburg, Tartu, Tallinn.