OPEN SUMMER CARRIAGE. ENGLAND, 1770

The summer carriage is a true masterpiece of carriage art of the 18th century. It was executed in England in 1770 by the order of Count Grigory Orlov, a famous favourite of Catherine II, in order to be presented to the Empress. The two-seater equipage was to serve for travels during the warm season. Some memoirs of that time mention Catherine II and Praskovya Bruce, the lady-in-waiting and the Empress’s close friend, travelling in this refined carriage.

The body of the carriage resembles an Italian gondola. A so-called "apron" of the carriage body was to be opened up so that the passenger could get inside. The sidewalls with the "doors" resemble bird’s wings while the footboard at the back can be compared to a big open scallop fan shell. Fancifully bending shafts, eagles with wide-open wings and riders wearing helmets and chain mails on rearing up horses—all these carved details of decoration create the sensation of lightness, movement and flight.

It’s well known that this refined and comfortable equipage was used in the 19th century during coronation ceremonies of Alexander II and Alexander III as well.