8: Suites of Furniture

The Hermitage's collection of Russian furniture includes not only individual items typical of the work of particular craftsmen or artistic tendencies or displaying unusual techniques, but also whole sets of furniture. Furniture sets became common in Russia from the late 18th century. Above all they were groups of items intended for state room interiors: reception rooms, drawing-rooms, bed-chambers and divan rooms. For the imperial palaces such sets were made to sketches by noted architects in the capital's best workshops. They were marked by the especial thought that went into the proportions and decorative elements that as a rule harmonized with the rest of the decor of the hall. The number of sofas, chairs and armchairs depended on the size of a hall and its layout. In the Empire period the furniture in state drawing-rooms was placed strictly along the walls. Later people began to arrange it to make cosy corners separated by screens and jardinières holding flowers. In the Moderne (Art Nouveau) period a set of furniture quite often included built-in items and wooden wall panels.