3: 18th-Century Carriages

Four-seater state carriage

1773

Johann Konrad Bukendahl

Court Stables

St Petersburg, Russia

650x240x295

The painting on the panel of the body is attributed to Gravelot
Wood, iron, steel, bronze, leather, glass, velvet; forging, casting, chasing, woodcarving, gilding, weaving, colouring, embroidery, oil painting

This vehicle was produced for Empress Catherine II in the workshops of the Court Stables in St Petersburg in 1773 by Russian craftsmen working under the direction of the celebrated carriage-maker Johann Bukendahl. He was born in Hanover in 1726, learnt the carriage-making trade in Paris, but gained recognition and fame in Russia. The vehicles he made have the most perfect construction.