Dachnitsa Sculpture in Plyos

The sculpture "Dachnitsa" depicts a young girl sitting on a bench, admiring the beauty of the Volga River. The girl is portrayed in a long summer dress and a hat, typical of the social ladies of that era. Next to her on the bench is a space where tourists can sit, embrace the sculpture, and take a memorable photo.

According to the official version, the sculpture represents a collective image of a summer resident from the late 19th century. At that time, Plyos was a very popular place for summer vacations, where people came not to work in the garden but for socializing and enjoying nature. However, among locals and tourists, there is a more romantic version. It is believed that the sculpture depicts Sophia Kuvshinnikova, a student and lover of the famous landscape painter Isaac Levitan. From 1888 to 1890, Levitan and Kuvshinnikova spent every summer in Plyos, renting a house nearby.

Despite the popularity of the romantic version, there are opponents of this idea. They argue that Sophia Kuvshinnikova, at the time of her acquaintance with Levitan, was already a mature lady, 14 years older than the artist, while the sculpture depicts a young lady. Regardless of who actually served as the prototype for this image, the sculpture has become a symbol of Plyos and its cultural heritage.

The sculpture is installed near the Landscape Museum, emphasizing its connection to the art and artistic traditions of Plyos. Nearby on the parapet, you can see wedding locks of love left by newlyweds, adding a special romantic atmosphere to this place. Next to the summer resident stands a frame-easel through which you can admire the views of the Volga and take a photo. There is also a palette with autographs left by artists who worked in Plyos.