Showcase 49. Throne chairs of the XVIIIth century

In addition to the collection of XVIth-and XVIIth-century thrones, there are also some throne chairs. They were used during coronations and on other special occasions. The most interesting are the XVIIIth-century throne chairs of Empress Elizabeth (1742) and Emperor Paul I (1796).

Artwork of both baroque and rococo styles is the throne of Empress Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great. It is elegant in form and very attractive in decoration. Its curved legs and arms are adorned not only with carved flowers and grasses, but also with charming female heads. The throne's official function is emphasized by splendid decorative embroidery on the back with the state emblem and Elizabeth's monogram. This combination of the insignia of power with the whimsical elegance of the carved wooden scrolls indicates the fact that the throne belonged to a woman.