An unusual and memorable statue of the City Guard. This brave man in imperial uniform attracts the attention of both locals and tourists. With a mustache and a stocky build, he is crafted in proportions typical of Russian people of the 19th century. Many see him as either a retired military man or a police officer of the Russian Empire. But who is he really?
The idea for this sculpture came from collector Yuri Borisovich Marushkin. He decided that Plyos, rich in history and culture, needed a symbolic guardian of order. Thus, in 2009, the "City Guard" appeared – the first full-length figure in the town. Before this, Plyos only had busts, such as monuments to Vasily I and Isaac Levitan.
The sculpture often sparks debates and guesses among tourists. Some think it depicts a famous historical figure or an ancestor of the house owner. There were even rumors of a possible connection to Stalin's image. However, these assumptions have no basis. Yuri Borisovich Marushkin, the initiator of the sculpture's creation, explained that it is simply the City Guard, symbolizing the guardian of order in Plyos.
The creator of the "City Guard" is the renowned Ivanovo sculptor Vladimir Georgievich Ostrizhnov, a member of the Union of Artists of Russia. Ostrizhnov is famous for his works, which often draw inspiration from Russian history and culture. The sculpture is crafted with a high degree of detail, allowing viewers to easily imagine the appearance of a real city guard from the late 19th to early 20th century. Nearby stands another similar sculpture by this author – the monument to Vyacheslav Fedorov.
In imperial Russia, the City Guard was the lowest rank of the city police, responsible for maintaining order on the streets. This role is symbolically embodied by the sculpture. It stands by Marushkin's house, as if guarding it and watching over the area, respectfully awaiting the arrival of the owner or his guests.
Next to the monument is a small artificial pond and a cozy bench. From here, there is a beautiful view of the Volga and Cathedral Hill, making this place ideal for relaxation and contemplation. Tourists and locals often stop here to enjoy the view and take photos with this unusual sculpture.
