Михайловский дворец

   A number of interior Voronikhin created in the Stroganov Palace (Art Gallery, Dining Room, Minerals cabinet Greek room, etc.). Their floors are varied severity and geometrical forms characteristic of classicism, but the set of elements of the figure, it becomes a Voronikhin more limited than, for example, with Cameron, Quarenghi and Brenna. Thus gradually there produced templates, characteristic of the Empire. It is no coincidence that the Greek Voronikhin’s floor rooms can be found in the decoration of the Cabinet of Alexander I in the Catherine Palace of Tsarskoe Selo, carried out later VP Stasov.

   By the outstanding achievements of high classicism of the building belongs to the Stock Exchange and Rostral Columns embankment Arrows Vasilyevsky Island. One of the ensemble, it is sufficient that its author Thomas de Tomon among the most talented representatives of Russian Empire. However, creativity by Tom De Tomon is not limited to the celebrated ensemble Arrows Vasilyevsky Island. He was also the author of other capital construction: new Big Theater mansion gr. AG LAVAL, a series of fountains at the former Imperial Village’s road, a memorial monument to "Wife-benefactor" in Pavlovsk, triumphal columns in Poltava, etc.

   Tom de Tomon Designed and interior decoration, including in the Winter Palace. However, the remaining single sheets of the project materials of this kind are not allowed to disclose the full creativity of the architect as a master of interior decoration. In particular, it is still unknown; no draft parquet floors Thom de Tomon, although they were carried out on his intentions.

   The next time a distinguished architect of Russian Empire was a VP Stasov. In 1817-19 for his project on the ground, where earlier tower of different and diverse structures have been built on a huge scale, the majestic building of the barracks of the Guards Pavlovsky Regiment in the Field of Mars, the top ranking in the ensemble of one of the central areas of the city. Clarity of composite construction, strict classical proportions, skilful placement of accents and the measured tread built as a parade of columns allowed include barracks Pavlovsky Regiment to the highest achievements of Russian Empire.

   Among other works Stasov Petersburg, play a significant role of urban planning, is the court stables, located on the shores of Washers, Izmailovsky warehouses, Savior Transfiguration and Holy Trinity Cathedral, as well as the ensemble of the Moscow triumphant gate with guardhouse.

   Considerable amount of work there comply Stasov to restore the interiors Winter Palace, which has been affected by fire in 1837. In the renewal of the imperial residence was attended by other talented architects, including A. Briullov but Stasov belonged to a leading role. Previously, the same kind of work Stasov produced in the imperial summer residences - Catherine Palace of Imperial Village, where in 1820 burnt a large portion of state space. When you create palatial interiors Stasov great importance attached to the parquet. To dial Stasov’s sexes has enlarged, but all the same geometric pattern as for parquets strict classicism. This was typical for parquets KI Rossi, created them in the imperial and grand palaces.

    In creations Rossi high classicism was the most consistent and eloquent expression. The highest achievements of an architect apply to 1820-30-m. During this period he created all of its famous ensembles: Elaginoovstrovski and the Mikhailovsky Palace, the Alexander Theater, the Chief of Staff, the Senate and the Synod. Outstanding famous town-planner at has become as master of interior decoration, which often is the influence of creative pioneers Empire of Persia and Fontaine. The most characteristic of the interior of Russia in the Russian Empire style was the 1812 War Gallery. Gallery of more than 50 meters was established in 1826. It was to celebrate the victory of Russian arms in the war with Napoleon. The main items of furniture galleries were more than three hundred portraits of the heroes of the war, including the most prominent military commanders MI Kutuzov and M.B.Barklaya de Tolly. All other elements of the decor of the gallery were also subject to the same goal the glorification of Russian weapons and Russian empires. Parquet this interior is typical of the Empire repeating geometric pattern, perfectly highlighting the extent and solemn, rhythmic beat of architectural space.

   A remarkable feature of the construction of Rossi was the architect of almost the very beginning of his extensive work was able to form a stable team of associates who performed on his project external and internal decoration of buildings. By constant staff were well-known architect Ochtinská parquet master SI Tarasov and his son Nikolai providing carpentry work, including art typesetting floors, Elagin and the Mikhailovsky Palace. The last original parquet Rossi partially preserved (White Hall, the former the first living room, the former Lavatory grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna, the former Corner Room), and represent excellent examples of parquets Empire era.

   By the same kind masterpieces include polychrome parquet Peter Hall Winter Palace, designed in 1833, and other finishing facilities, O. Monferrand. In contrast, from parquets Rossi, he has a totally unique and extremely complex picture when playing which has been used up to ten species of wood, including amaranth, rosewood, lemon, boxwood, mahogany, etc. This dial floor included in the overall ensemble space greatly enhanced the overall decorative effect. Peter Hall was one of the undoubted successes Montferrand and not by accident after a fire in 1837 has been restored with only minor derogation from the original project.

     Montferrand was the author of finishing and some other interiors of the Winter Palace, in particular, half of the Empress Maria Feodorovna (1827). Among the design issues relevant to this room survived parquets drawings, carefully made by the architect. While maintaining the overall geometry of what distinguishes them is more complicated pattern and the introduction of plant motifs. The latter to some extent suggests that creativity can be expanded and Montferrand in the next period of development of Russian architecture, called eclecticism, which was characteristic of an exclusive variety of ornamental, decorative techniques.

    As for the flooring Russian Empire in general, they are compared with the other components of the architectural and artistic decoration of the interior are least likely to be subjected to any significant stylistic change. The main direction of development of this art form during the high-classicism was primarily through the simplification of the figure and its information to a set of repeating geometric forms. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   Architectural elements of the Mikhailovsky  palace.

     The Mikhailovsky palace with its lateral wings and a garden borrows extensive territory between the Sink and the area of Arts, Garden Street and Griboedov's channel. In ensemble of the constructions which are making out the area of Arts, the building of Russian museum plays a role of an architectural dominant. In a composition of a palace the farmstead scheme has found the application traditional for Russian classicism. Palace cost seven million rubles, of which four were spent at his luxurious design. From Nevsky there leads to the palace of a small street. In the past the building, she poured in a vast area, framed houses. Their tireless facades designed by Carlo Rossi. Festive and elegant facade of the palace is clearly visible from the Nevsky Prospect. The palace has been constructed as a country estate with a garden. Ensemble of the Mikhailovsky palace consists of the main case and two wings. The main two-storeyed palace case, which height makes about twenty five meters, is in depth of a smart court yard. The lateral wings symmetrizing, are connected among themselves by magnificent high pig-iron fencing with three gates. The central gates are decorated tetrahedral pylons which are topped by armature - the image of military equipment: an armour, swords and banners. Ground floor of the Mikhailovsky palace has been reveted dummy goints. The main facade of a building is decorated by porticoes from eight columns of the Corinthian warrant lifted on an arcade of a ground floor. The portico is completed by a triangular pediment. The heads of lions cut from a stone are located above arches and above all windows of a ground floor. Three-quarter columns decorate lateral columns of a building. The frieze of a palace is decorated also with forty four bas-reliefs of work of outstanding sculptor Demut-Malinovsky. The wide ladder decorated by stone lions, conducts to an input in a palace. These lions have been cast in 1824 especially for Mikhailovsky palace. They are a copy of the antique statues found in the beginning of XVI century at excavation in Rome. Then the figure of the lion, leaning by a paw on a sphere has been found. Long time this sculpture together with the cast same steam room decorated the Italian architectural ensembles. And at the end of XVIII century, their copies have been brought in the Academy of arts. Here from these those of spears lions for Mikhailovsky palace also have been made.

   Lateral projections are decorated by greater Venetian windows. Before the main facade of a building the small smart garden has been located. The opposite facade of a palace turned to the Mikhailovsky garden, also is richly trimmed. The central part of this facade is decorated with a grandiose loggia-colonnade. Sculptors S.S.Pimenov, V.I.Demut, painters Dj. And P.Skotty participated in furnish of internal premises of the Mikhailovsky palace.

     White open-work railings, under the general movement, on the second floor of course included in the decorative system, but to Rome. Lobby recalls the architecture of Roman yard overhead lighting and white columns on the perimeter. Decoration over the second floor is full, in comparison with the first. Rectangular frieze with winged griffin gives it special significance. Painting ceilings executed in color and sepia emulates the rich - in the form of heavy wreaths, leaf rosettes and curls - stucco done in strict rectangular frame.

      Apartment second floor, as in any palace this time, the parade had the appointment. It is here were held receptions and musical evenings, which in the XIX century, was famous Mikhailovsky Palace.

  Finishing, selecting materials, colors and furnishings of each interior were in sight architect. We know that Russia took into account every detail. He created sketches of murals not only the walls and ceilings, but also a form of door handles, sockets for pattern parquet floor, etc.

      Unfortunately, changing fashion and tastes of the owners. Throughout the XIX century, has altered the Mikhailovsky palace halls. Today minor details of its decor remind of the architectural ensemble of the integrity of the interiors, created by Carlo Rossi.

     Second-floor suite once opened the gate lounge (Room 18), painted ceiling which used admission, declared in the lobby: the painting in sepia color, imitating modeling. It is difficult to vary the motives garland, leaves and ancient heads. Then there followed the elegantly designed gallery, with white caryatids, flanking doorways. In combination with a triangular pediment over the door, they are making impressive decor accent in a small space. The sculpture was executed SS Pimenov, which cooperates Rossi. After a small space the visitor enters the great room - the front dining room (room 16).

     When you rebuild the palace of a museum in the late nineteenth century, the rich decoration of the interior entirely destroyed. To accommodate large format paintings, laid all the windows, when a very bright room. In the decoration of the room there used by yellow artificial marble. It fulfilled many pilasters, previously adorned the walls. In the late nineteenth century, at the top, the entire perimeter of the former dining room enhanced white reliefs - a copy of the disciples of St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. When you rebuild the palace "Dance Hall" (No. 15) lost its initial interior, the main element of decorative finishes were blue columns, faced with artificial stone.

      At the heart of the palace were three wonderful rooms. In a wall Karmazinov’s room have been draped by a red curtain. White (Hall 11) meets the title. And the decorations are orange lounge (Room 10) dominated by orange. Prior to the present day has preserved the original look of White Hall - one of the best creations Rossi. It is a masterpiece of interior art. Along the garden facade of the palace hall is stretched to 24 meters. In the strict and the beautiful rhythm of built space is a beautiful interior. Two pairs of columns are divided into three relatively autonomous compartments. The average of slightly more lateral and is in the box, the other two - rectangles. It stresses the pylons treated by pilasters.

      Coated with white artificial marble columns and pilasters crowned with Corinthian capitals. They have the smooth, a little gleam architrave and elegant, delicately traced with gilded details, cornice. Each part ends beautifully decorated hall mirror vault ceiling. The feeling of space enhanced lighting. High windows with semicircular top remind easy arches. Facing the garden, they went to the huge balcony - loggia with a number of white columns. This arbor is visible - a small garden pavilion, standing on the shore washing. In strict accordance with the general principle of architectural solutions halls - the symmetry and harmony - Russia is developing the details of its interior. In the face walls - two doors (one of them false). Between them - fire. Doors are made of wavy birch: "honey" color and texture of the tree watered. Opulent gilded carvings turned them into an effective element of the room decor. Above the doors are niches decorated with gilt figures of music in theatrical masks. The sculpture was adorned and fireplaces. At the end of XIX century, dismantled fireplace opposite the window. In its place, cut the door to the second floor lobby area. There were two fireplaces which were earlier coming to the end with high mirrors. Two mirrors, hanging between the wall frescoes in the near future, will be restored.

      The sculptural decoration of the room served as SS Pimenov. The special design of architect realized his contributor A. Vigi. On the white walls of the room presented a scene of a painter Homeric "Iliad" and "Odyssey." The two frescoes on the wall opposite the windows in the central compartment, died at the end of XIX century.

     For example, White Hall, you can see Rossi virtuosity of the individual elements of decoration into a coherent whole. Each subject talent architect has been the only place.

      Imaginatively and wittily Rossi placed between the columns double sofas. The subject at the same time lives in the central and lateral parts of the interior. Circular in cross-section legs, balusters made for a neighborhood with a strong column. Back chairs and stools processed threads from both sides. Being a permanent place around the table, in front of an audience, they always appear "in the rear." Furniture White Hall was has been gilt and covered with blue silk with gold large wreaths (not preserved).

     Furniture ceremonial palace interiors Rossi preferred gold or veneered valuable - Karelian birch, walnut. The living quarters of the ground floor mainly furnish items from mahogany, a good fit for cozy rooms and classrooms. This type of premises kept Palace in the picture, showing a cabinet of Mikhail Pavlovich in the suite of transfer first floor (room 23).

      The palace abounded with bronze once. It is chandeliers, candelabrums, clocks. In the second-floor rooms had fire bowls and floor lamps.

  At the Imperial Porcelain Factory for Mikhailovsky Palace ordered an enormous dining-dessert service. Its subjects have painted with the most thin miniatures and gilded ornaments. In 1825, the Journal of Fine Arts "and" Domestic Notes "emphasized: Mikhailovsky Palace" will adorn the St. Petersburg, but taste for elegance interior can be considered among the best of European palaces.  
 
 
 
 
 
 

    Historical persons.

     MIKHAIL PAVLOVICH (1798, St. Petersburg – 1849), Grand Prince, Adjutant General (1831), member of the State Council  (1825), Senator (1834), Honorary Member of the Imperial Military Academy (1832). The younger son of Emperor Pavel I, married (from 1823) to a princess of Wurttemberg, who adopted the name of Elena Pavlovna. By birth was granted the rank of Feldzeichhmeister General. Was brought up and educated together with his elder brother - Grand Prince Nikolay Pavlovich (future Nicholas I). In 1819 virtually assumed directorate of the Artillery Department, in 1820 founded the Artillery School in St. Petersburg. From 1825 served as Chief of the 1st Guards Infantry Division. Took part in suppressing of the uprising on 14 December 1825, participated in the activities of the Investigative Commission on the Decembrists’ Case. In December 1825 was promoted to Inspector General of Engineering Troops. As Chief of the Guards Corps participated in the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-19 and the suppression of the Polish Insurrection of 1830-31. From 1831 was in command of the Guards Corps and Page Corps and All Land Cadet Corps as well as the Nobility Regiment. In 1844 Mikhail Pavlovich was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Guards and Grenadier Corps. Owned the Mikhailovsky Palace in St. Petersburg, in 1831 moved to Oranienbaum. Died in Warsaw, buried in St. Petersburg in the SS. Peter&Paul Cathedral.

ELENA PAVLOVNA (nee Frederica Charlotte Maria Princess of Wurttemberg) (1806-1873, St. Petersburg), Grand Princess, wife of Grand Prince Mikhail Pavlovich (from 1823). Owned a literary-political saloon, in which statesmen, diplomats, and art figures gathered from the 1840s through to the early 1870s. She patronized a group of liberal-minded officials (N.A. Milyutin, A.A. Abaza, Prince V.A. Cherkassky), who played an active role preparing and executing the Great Reforms of the 1860s-70s. In 1854, Elena Pavlovna founded the Krestovozdvizhenskaya Nurses Community in St. Petersburg, and during the Crimean War of 1853-56 she equipped a medical group headed by N.I. Pirogov at her own expense, and sent it to the front. She was the founder (1859) and President of the Russian Musical Society. The St. Petersburg Conservatory was opened with her support, its classes initially taking place at her palace. She founded the Midwife and Clinical Institutes (today the St. Petersburg Medical Academy of Post-Graduate Education, 41 Kirochnaya Street). She directed the Mariinsky and Pavlovsky Women's Institutes (all these institutions were a part of the Grand Princess Elena Pavlovna Office of Institutions). She owned the Mikhailovsky Palace, Kamenny Island, and Oranienbaum (see Lomonosov). She was buried at the SS. Peter&Paul Cathedral. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

      Historical events, connected with the Mikhailovsky palace.

    At grand duke Michael Pavlovich in a palace the stormy life was conducted, often passed high-society balls. In 1849 Michael has died, the palace passes to its widow, great princess Elena Pavlovna. At it events here pass less roughly, it invites to meetings of public figures, musicians, scientific, writers. The Russian musical Society, the Conservatory first in Russia Here arises.

    After Elena Pavlovna a palace has been inherited by a great princess Ekaterina Mikhajlovna, duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitskaya. It in a consequence bequeathed to its children. At new owners since 1894 the palace became the profitable house; the building has started to collapse. That as that to pay back its maintenance, premises not only handed over in employment, in the western wing have organized office of Palace department. As the palace belonged to Romanov's house, and successors were the German citizens, Alexander III has considered that it will be necessary to redeem it to a treasury. He could not carry out the process; the palace has been redeemed in to treasury by Nikolay II later on.

     On January, 20th, 1895 Mikhailovsky palace has been redeemed. On April, 13th, 1895 the nominal decree emperor Nikolay II has founded « Russian Museum of Emperor Alexander III » and has transferred for it all to a palace complex. The decision on creation of Russian Museum was accepted by the government in connection with that the Hermitage by then has already been filled by products of foreign masters, and for domestic art one hall was allocated only. For products of Russian masters it has been decided to organize a separate institution. The original collection consisted of 80 canvases from the Hermitage collection, 120 - from the Academy of Fine Arts and 200 - from various royal palaces. So many pieces of art were donated to the. After the revolution of 1917 collection of the Russian Museum grew quickly due to "nationalization" (requisition) of art from numerous private collections. By all means managing director of the museum should be a member of the Imperial House. Duke George Mikhajlovich has become the first managing director. Opening of a museum took place in March, 1898.

    To accommodate all needs of a museum building of Mikhailovsky palace has been reconstructed under the project of Century V. Svinien. He has knocked down the right case (stables and the arena), and on their place he has constructed the case of the Museum of ethnography. Interiors of a palace have been completely reconstructed. From Carlo Rossi's interiors only smart ladder and Average Hall, renamed in the White hall have remained.

   Due to the significant increase in collections in the years 1910-1914 Leontiy Nikolaevich Benois was designed a new building, its side elevation overlooking the canal Griboedova (then Catherine). Bookmark this building on June 27, 1914, but construction was delayed outbreak of the First World War. After it is finished, when the Soviet government, building was built. He received the name of its founder - «corpus Benoit».

In November 1941, in the corpus Benoit hit two high-explosive bombs. Restoration of the building took place in 1947-1963 years. During the Siege of Leningrad has done a great job to save the values of the museum. At that time in the yard of Michael's palace stood the monument to Alexander III. His were gravelly and covered logs. In this construction one has got explosive bomb, but the monument was not injured. In 1958, Benoit was building the main building is connected to the vestibule.  
 
 
 

  Current state.

At the moments, with virtually no changes save the appearance of the Mikhailovsky Palace, the main lobby and the White Hall. According to sketches of Carlo Rossi were restored household items, furniture and interior of the Mikhailovsky Palace. The rest rooms have been refurbished by the museum halls personal decree of Emperor Nicholas II in 1895. At the same time, and was established by «Russian Museum of Emperor Alexander III». V. Svinin has re-planned living rooms in the halls of the Mikhailovsky Palace Museum. Hi is the young Russian architect of selected for this special case the responsible Commission. It was then a lot of controversy about the legality of these changes, the Mikhailovsky Palace, but the architect was able to make efficient and very successful. B. Svinin retained the basic original plan and all the historical examples of finishing the Mikhailovsky Palace, organically combining them with the possibility of Russian Museum.