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Nicholas I (1825-1855) The name of Nicholas I is associated with a brilliant period in the architectural history of the Winter Palace and the whole palace complex. The Emperor devoted much attention to the improvement of the residence and a wave of reconstruction swept through the majority of the rooms both living and state. Substantial changes were made in the Great Enfilade leading from the Ambassadors' Staircase to the Large Throne Hall. In 1826 the War Gallery of 1812 was formally opened here, while in the early 1830s, to designs by Auguste de Montferrand, two new state rooms were created - the austere Field Marshals' Hall, decorated with portraits of outstanding Russian military commanders, and the grandly elegant Memorial Room of Peter the Great (or Small Throne Room). The Marquis de Custine, who visited Russia in Nicholas I's reign, commented: "I witnessed the Congress of Vienna, but I cannot recall a single formal reception that could compare for the wealth of jewellery and costumes, for the variety and splendour of the uniforms, for the grandeur and harmony of the overall ensemble with the celebrations given by the Emperor." |
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