This sculpture represents the most beautiful 19th century’s example of love. This piece, very modern in it’s composition, tells the deep and passionate love that tied the great author Turgenev to the French opera singer Viardo, for more than 40 years. This monument is dedicated to a French woman, Muse and good angel for Turgenev. France was very proud of her. The composition is romantic and dynamic. On one side we see Turgenev surrounded by his books, on the other is Viardo with roses playing the lyra. The leave is pierced at the top in the author’s hart, and on the reverse side on the lyra. This monument is dedicated to “Year of Russia ” in France. At the same time it is a tribute to Pauline Viardot’s death a 100 years ago. Marina Vladi read fragment of Songs Triumphant Love, a poem in prose by Turgenev in French and Russian languages, and also love letters exchanged between Pauline Viardot and Turgenev.
