Plot synopsis

Numerous works by the remarkable Russian sculptor Ilya Ginzburg (1859-1939) are installed throughout Russia and the former Soviet Union. He created portrait sculptures of such figures as Dmitri Mendeleev, Pavlov, Plekhanov, Pushkin, Lermontov, Aivazovsky and Peter the Great. But his main contribution to sculpture was the 20 or so busts of Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910), created while the author was alive. Using extremely rare photos, film excerpts, diary entries and interviews, the film reveals fascinating facts about the Tolstoy family’s relationship with the sculptor, against the backdrop of great historic events, and with other Russian artists such as critic Vladimir Stasov, painter Ilya Repin, sculptor Mark Antokolsky and pianist Alexander Goldenweiser.

Selected in the following festivals or events :

- International Festival of Films on Art, Montreal (Canada), 2015