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. The wrought-iron stair rail is notable for its strict geometric pattern. 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 moulded ceiling (a later addition) is decorated with a delicate relief featuring an exquisite monogram of Peter’s daughter, Empress Elizabeth. The hanging lantern with crystal oak-leaves is an early example of the kind of lighting devices used in the first quarter of the 18th century.