Alexander Blok: 145 years since the birth of a creator of the enduring symbols of the Silver Age

---

On 28 November, 145 years are marked since the birth of Alexander Blok — one of the most remarkable figures of the Silver Age. His work has become an integral part of Russian culture and still resonates with readers of all generations. The poet succeeded in conveying with utmost precision the image of Russia at a moment of historic upheaval.

"Yes, and as you are, my Russia,

You are dearer to me than any land."

Alexander Blok’s poetry is filled with vivid imagery. Among its central symbols is the Beautiful Lady — an embodiment of ideal beauty and love in his early works. The cycle is based on Vladimir Solovyov’s teaching on Eternal Femininity, a supreme spiritual principle capable of renewing and transforming the world. The lyrical hero appears at times as a knight, at times as a monk or an obedient disciple in a state of reverent anticipation. His feeling is not earthly passion but an almost prayerful striving for an ideal. He sees the Beautiful Lady as a goddess, a dawn or a distant star, yet fears that this elevated ideal may collapse when faced with everyday reality. The prototype of the Lady was Blok’s wife, Lyubov Mendeleeva.

His encounter with Lyubov Dmitrievna Mendeleeva played a defining role in the formation of his creative path. Their marriage was far from simple: Lyubov Dmitrievna was deeply involved in social life, which caused jealousy and inner turmoil for the poet. This period coincided with Blok’s turn to rethinking Russia’s destiny, his growing interest in theatre, drama and publicistic writing. The events of 1917 inspired him to write the poem "The Twelve", which sparked fierce debate and led to ruptures with some of his long-standing friends. The poet’s final years were difficult: he worked intensely, suffered deeply and died at the age of 40. His passing symbolically marked the end of the Silver Age.

The poet was born in Saint Petersburg. The city on the Neva became a place of creative power for many significant poets: Alexander Pushkin, Anna Akhmatova, Nikolai Gumilyov and others. Their heroes — rebellious, passionate, searching — remain timeless companions of modern readers.

The living connection between past and present is explored in the "Journey Across Russia" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA. In the section dedicated to the Northwestern Federal District, visitors can not only explore the works of Blok’s contemporaries and other great writers but also experience the mystery of creativity: using interactive technologies, every guest can compose a poem in the style of Pushkin.