We do not normally feature hand drawn sketches or water painting illustrations of interiors here. Then, again, water paintings are not normally * this * good. These photo-realistic images of opulent interiors of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg were captured in watercolor by artist Konstantin Ukhtomsky in the 18th century, leaving a valuable lesson of how too much is never enough when decorating a palace.
The Malachite Hall.
One of the many reception rooms.
An extremely stairway-what a way to make an entrance!
The Library
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St. George Hall-a room truly worthy of a throne.
The study of The Grand Duke Nikolai.
A serious room using sombre tones, very masculine.
The Grand Duke obviously loved his dogs
The Greek Sculpture Hall
fabulous ceiling and a combination of timeless colors. (I wonder if the dogs were allowed in here?)
The Concert Hall.
Imagine how magnificent this room would look lit by those fabulous chandeliers. The parquet floor is amazing.
The coin bags Hall
Sure beats a money box.
The Jewellery Gallery
When you tire of choosing jewelery you could admire that incredible ceiling.
Room of the Grand Duchess
Another way to dress a ceiling, drape fabric. The carpet garland of flowers and pink colors, exudes femininity.
At a time when craftsmen were highly valued, nothing was left undecorated. From ceiling to floor no detail has been overlooked and nothing was ever too much, but somehow it works and the sheer opulence and pageantry of it all can still take your breath away.
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