Confrontation of Geniuses: The Correspondence of B. C. Rastrelli and J.-B. A. Le Blond with A. D. Menshikov in the Context of Creating Architectural Symbols of the Empire

This article presents selected documents from the correspondence of architects Carlo Bartolomeo Rastrelli and Jean-Baptiste Alexandre Le Blond with A. D. Menshikov in 1716–1717. The letters clearly demonstrate the nature of the complex relationship between the two outstanding specialists, found in a situation of fierce competition for the leading role in the design and construction management of the royal residences and St Petersburg as architectural symbols of Peter the Great’s empire. The proposed documents show the details of the conflict that took place between the architects in 1716–1717 against the background of professional disagreements and personal claims. The main arbiter in resolving controversial situations was Prince A. D. Menshikov. It was to him that Rastrelli and Le Blond sent letters outlining the essence of their argument (which resulted in a fight), seeking the support of their influential patron. The text of their correspondence testifies to a whole complex of reasons that caused the confrontation between the two geniuses. The origins of the conflict are found in the insufficiently explained schemes of the professional hierarchy and the content of the work which foreigners were hired for (as evidenced by the appeal to contracts). The contradictions led to a halt in the activities of masters and apprentices subordinate to the architects, uncertainty in the hierarchy of office and the priority power of the orders of Rastrelli and Le Blond. The personal qualities of the architects also played a role: each of them was distinguished by a difficult character, directness, stubbornness, and irrepressible ambitions. The relationship between Rastrelli and Le Blond had a direct impact on the progress of construction and the architectural appearance of the objects. The originals of letters in French presented in the collection demonstrate a high level of translation activity in the Menshikov office, which testifies to the quality and accuracy of information transmission during communications between foreign specialists and Alexander Danilovich as a spokesman for the positions of power. The published documents expand and significantly complement the ideas about the internal mechanisms of the construction of imperial space and the symbolic policy of Peter I.