SHOWCASE 49. THRONE CHAIRS OF THE 18TH CENTURY

In addition to the collection of 16th- and 17th-century thrones, there are also some throne chairs. They were used at coronations and on other special occasions. The most interesting are the 18th-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, the daughter of Peter the Great. It is elegant in its form and very attractive in decoration. Its curved legs and arms are adorned with carved flowers and grasses as well as with charming female heads. The throne's official function is emphasized by splendid ornamental embroidery with the State emblem and Elizabeth's monogram on its back. This combination of the insignia of power with the whimsical elegance of carved wooden scrolls indicates the fact that the throne belonged to a woman.