Pimenov, Stepan Stepanovich

Born in 1784 in St. Petersburg; died there Mar. 22 (Apr. 3), 1833. Russian sculptor. Father of N. S. Pimenov.

From 1795 to 1803, Pimenov studied with M. I. Kozlovskii and I. P. Prokof’ ev at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. Between 1803 and 1807 he was a stipendiary. Pimenov taught at the academy from 1809 to 1830, becoming a professor there in 1814. During those same years he headed the sculpture department at the Imperial Porcelain Factory. His models were used in the production of vases, dishes, and statuettes.

Pimenov and V. I. Demut-Malinovskii did the sculptural ornament for a number of outstanding architectural works in St. Petersburg by C. A. Rossi and A. N. Voronikhin. Their works, which rank among the most important Russian classical decorative sculptures, include the sculptural group on the arch of the General Headquarters (1827-28, sheet copper), the figures Glory and the Old Warrior on the Narva Triumphal Gate (1830-33, sheet copper), and Apollo’s Chariot on the A. S. Pushkin Leningrad Academic Drama Theater (1831-32, sheet copper).

Pimenov’s sculptures are emotion-packed and permeated by patriotic and civic fervor. They are marked by clarity of composition, a romantic treatment of rhythms and gestures, and an organic unity with the surrounding architecture.