5: Main Staircase

The architectural treatment of the main staircase never fails to impress: it is superbly lit, precise, symmetrical and spacious. The staircase in its present form appeared in the palace in 1716–20. The overall design is associated with the name of Jean-Baptiste LeBlond. The oak staircase begins its rise with two gently ascending flights, gradually emerging from the Main Vestibule with its fragmented division into columns, cornices and cross vaults. At the intermediate landing the two flights unite in a little light-filled “courtyard”, a peristyle created in imitation of an Italian palazzo. The walls of the “courtyard” are painted in tempera to imitate marble. Stucco arcades on pilasters are punctuated by numerous windows. The windowsills are ornamented with slip-glazed ceramic bands with blue cobalt plant ornament. The wrought-iron stair rail is notable for its strict geometric pattern.