Lieberich, Nikolay
Lieberich Nikolay Ivanovich (1828 – 1883)
One of the most popular Russian sculptors of 19th century. Wide known by his smaller scale statues cast in bronze.
Started modeling in the late 1850s. His bronzes were presented at international world exhibitions in Paris, London, Philadelphia, Chicago.
Was very good in modeling hunting scenes and animals in general – bears, wolves, borzoy dogs, horses…
Knew and used a unique techniqe of casting the bear’s fur, which no one else could imitate do in the world. The wax model was undergoing special chemical treatment before casting.
Was a very slow worker. A group could take him a year to create.
In the 1870s till early 1880s he was busy with all kinds of special orders going to be a gift for some high rang officials.
While was alive he never let any foundry to place its mark on his bronzes. For casting used such foundries as Sokolov in the beginning and English Store’s workshop in the end.
All the bronzes bearing Woerffel mark to them were cast after Lieberich’s death in 1883.
Was quite attached to his creations, once he refused to give out the fulfilled order to a gentleman from USA.
Lieberich was like Salierry and Lanceray was like Motzart…so they didn’t get alone nicely. As a fact, Leiberich was called for a duel by Lanceray once… Somehow it didn’t work out, otherwise we would loose one of them too early.
**Got a bronze by N.Lieberich? We can help you identify it, buy it from you, or sell you another one for your collection.