Uman National University | today: 05/31/2026
| Author(s) |
Кадуріна А. О., , , Бондаренко О. Ю., , , |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Category | The Agronomy | ||
| year | 2026 | issue | Issue 108 part 1 |
| pages | 410-422 | index UDK | 721.03 | DOI | 10.32782/2415-8240-2026-108-1-410-422 (Link) |
| Abstract | This article is devoted to the analysis of the Trojan War theme in the Sofiyivka Park and in the parks of Odesa. The study identifies an important conceptual idea embedded in the landscape gardening complexes of the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. These parks represent a characteristic type of the Romantic garden, in which sculptural compositions and architectural allegories reproduced plots from ancient Greek poetry, primarily the Homeric epics dedicated to the Trojan War. Such ensembles may be interpreted as a “stone retelling” of the Iliad and the Odyssey, where every character, including both humans and ancient deities, performs a symbolic function. The National Dendrological Sofiyivka Park was designed as a symbolic journey through the ancient world, primarily inspired by the literary works of Homer. The article reconstructs and thoroughly analyzes a thematic route dedicated to the Trojan War within the park. Particular attention is paid to the mythological and symbolic context of all elements included in the selected route of the landscape and architectural ensemble. The park was created in 1796–1800 on the initiative of Stanisław Szczęsny Potocki according to the design of architect Ludwig Metzel. The main thematic routes of Sofiyivka include: the route of memory and journeys, the ancient world, the Trojan War, the wanderings of Odysseus, and the theme of love. The principal objects of the “Trojan War” route are the Snake Fountain, the statue of Paris, the Temple of Poseidon, the statue of Apollo Belvedere, the statue of Venus Bathing, the bust of Homer, the statue of Apollo of Florence, the Grotto of Thetis, the Grotto of Diana, the statue of Odysseus, the Grotto of Apollo, the statue of Euripides, and the statue of Hermes. Their symbolism consistently unfolds along the route. The Snake Fountain symbolizes wisdom, the chthonic world, and prophetic visions associated with the Trojan War. The statue of Paris represents choice and fatal passion, recalling the “Judgment of Paris,” which became the cause of the war. The Temple of Poseidon symbolizes the unpredictable forces of nature and the maritime trials of epic heroes, especially the return of Odysseus. The statue of Apollo Belvedere embodies harmony, light, art, and higher order, opposing the chaos of war. The statue of Venus Bathing symbolizes love and sensual beauty, emphasizing the victorious role of Aphrodite in the Judgment of Paris. The bust of Homer personifies epic memory and the origin of the mythological narrative itself. The statue of Apollo of Florence highlights the ideal of youth, beauty, and artistic continuity of antiquity. The Grotto of Thetis symbolizes maternal grief and the inevitability of heroic destiny through the figure of Achilles’ mother. The Grotto of Diana represents purity, natural order, and independence, contrasting with destructive human passions. The statue of Odysseus symbolizes intelligence, cunning, and the long journey home after war. The Grotto of Apollo embodies harmony, logos, and higher meaning in opposition to conflict and destruction. The statue of Euripides symbolizes tragedy as a philosophical reflection on war and human suffering. Finally, the statue of Hermes represents transition, mediation between worlds, and communication between gods and humans. | ||
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