Thomas de Thomon J.-F. (1760-1813), architect

Categories / Architecture/Personalia
THOMAS DE THOMON Jean Francois (1760-1813, St. Petersburg), architect, graphic artist of French descent, representative of mature Neoclassicism. Studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris and Rome (1780s). From 1799 resided in Russia, as of 1800, settled in St. Petersburg. Held lecturing positions at the Academy of Fine Arts (in 1800 was conferred the title of associate academy member, in 1810, that of professor) and the Institute of Transport Communication Engineers (since 1811). In 1802, was admitted to the Palace Service Department, engaged in the rebuilding the Bolshoy Theatre (has not survived) and construction of barns of Salny Buyan on the left bank of the Neva (1805-06, in 1914 the building was demolished). Later works distinctly show the individual characteristics of Thomas de Thomon's architectural style: monumentality, austerity of the volumetric designs, large-scale heavy forms, and laconism of details. After winning a bid, the architect raised the mausoleum for Spouse the Benefactor, reminiscent of ancient Greek temples, in 1807-09 in Pavlovsk Park. Thomas de Thomon also designed three granite fountains, installed in 1808-09 along the road to Tsarskoe Selo (one of those had been transferred to Kazan Cathedral, a second for the Moscow Victory Park). He also received private commissions, however, only the rebuilt house of Laval (1806-09), partially preserved the original interiors of Thomas de Thomon's. Other major works include the Stock Market Building on the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, which plays a pivotal role in St. Petersburg's downtown ensemble. He resided in the Academy of Fine Arts building. Buried at Smolenskoe Lutheran Cemetery. In 1940, his remains were transferred to the Necropolis of 18th century.

Reference: Ощепков Г. Д. Архитектор Томон (1754-1813): Материалы к изучению творчества. М., 1950; Шуйский В. К. Тома де Томон. Л., 1981; Его же. Тома де Томон // Зодчие Санкт-Петербурга, XIX - начало XX века. СПб., 1998. С. 58-79.

V. V. Antonov. Thomas de Thomon Jean-Francois
Ощепков Г. Д. Архитектор Томон (1754-1813): Материалы к изучению творчества. М., 1950
Шуйский В. К. Тома де Томон. Л., 1981
Шуйский В. К. Тома де Томон // Зодчие Санкт-Петербурга, XIX - начало XX века. СПб., 1998 Academy of Arts
Academy of Arts
Kazan Cathedral
Laval, House of
Necropolis of the18th Century