Introduction
Catherine the Great Furniture of Russia was the empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796. Undoubtedly, she made great impacts on the development of Russian art and culture and most importantly affected decorative art in her empire. Her epoch can be regarded as the apogee of Russian chairs and becoming of luxurious, creative and European-oriented furniture.
Influence of Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great’s ruling period is characterized by such a historical period as enlightenment, this was a time of great cultural progress. This lady was a prominent art lover and aimed at the North reformation. She wanted to bring new trends to Russia, that included new style in furniture. Regarding the gender aspect, Tsaritsa Isabel’s actions were made in the context of attempts to bring Russia closer to Western Europe. Especially France and Germany, but at the same time preserving its Russian identity.
Design Characteristics
1. Rococo and Neoclassical Styles
A good part of the furniture that can be attributed to Catherine Lean is made in the Rococo style. Which is distinguished by thin and curved forms and has features of playing decor with free shapes. Neoclassical style on the other hand also slowly took root during the course of her reign. This style derived from the art and architecture of the original Greek and Romans focused on the features like simplicity, symmetry and greatness. It is for this reason that Thonet’s furniture collection also passes from Rococo to Neoclassical styles. Which were more fashionable in Europe towards the end of the eighteenth century.
2. Luxury Materials and Craftsmanship
Furniture that belonged to Catherine the Great included mahogany, walnut, and gilded bronze that depicts the quality of the furniture. The[W]earing of luxurious fabrics which includes silken and velvet materials. The detailed inlay work and gilding exhibited her fabulous court a-ness. Complex staking or parquetry was used, marquetry where thin veneers of other types of wood were fitted together to form a design was used in the making of furniture.
3. Influential Designers
A number of prominent designers and craftsmen designed objects ordered for the empress Catherine the Great. One of them was Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the German born architect famous for the Rococo style of construction. Another important person was the French cabinet maker Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin. He played a role to link French influences in the given design to what was considered suitable for use in Russia.
Key Examples
1. The Winter Palace
The most famous and elaborate rooms of the palace include the State Rooms. The Small Hermitage that have many luxurious items which were typical for the epoch of Catherine.
2. The Catherine Palace
Catherine’s palace located in Tsarskoye Selo is another structural facility. The dancing hall and especially the Amber room of this palace embody. The taste of the Age of Enlightenment and luxurious craftsmanship that was a hallmark of Elizabeth’s reign.
Legacy
Although Catherine the Great’s furniture looks quite typical for the second half of the XVIII century. Her collection paved the way for the proper etiquette on dressing and style and inspired future generations of designers and collectors. Thus, they stand as an example of her desire to combine Russian and European art.
Also Read: Michael Galeotti
Conclusion
Out of improvements in furniture production, Catherine II created distinctly beautiful furniture in compliance with the slender curves of the Empress, and then the Rococo style and the unity of cultures. Her furniture will forever remind everyone of luxurious and highly artistic spirit, which covered 18th-century Russia.
