The splendor of this Russian neoclassic design from the era of Catherine II evidences the fusion of English forms and a deeply ingrained feeling of the [read more]
The splendor of this Russian neoclassic design from the era of Catherine II evidences the fusion of English forms and a deeply ingrained feeling of the principles of national art. The composition is particularly remarkable for its compound serpentine configuration, and its sumptuous patterns of veneers and inlays. The top is resplendent with walnut book-matched veneers and crossbanding, oval inlays of maple and tulip wood, framed by walnut benchwork, embellish the doors, ebony inlays accentuate the posts,
and an inlaid holly and ebony medallion emblazons the raised panel on the center drawer.
Similarly noteworthy are the cove-shaped top edge,
the contrasting brass Greco-Roman lion mask ring pulls and the tapered quadrangular feet.
The piece features three drawers, with a silver insert in the center drawer,
four doors and an adjustable wood shelf in each compartment.
