The scope of the early 19th century Russian Empire style embraces the architectural masterpieces of the imperial capital and the naive work of semi-professionals and dilettantes in the provinces. Its range extends from the unique architectural ensembles of St. Petersburg, Russia's "Palmyra of the North", and the magnificent royal palaces on the outskirts of the city to the country estates of Russia's noble families around Moscow and their cosy mansion-houses in the old capital itself. The Empire period is also one of equal brilliance in all formsof the decorative and applied arts, which were developed to unprecedented heights in the creation of formal palace interiors.
The scope of the early 19th century Russian Empire style embraces the architectural masterpieces of the imperial capital and the naive work of semi-professionals and dilettantes in the provinces. Its range extends from the unique architectural ensembles of St. Petersburg, Russia's "Palmyra of the North", and the magnificent royal palaces on the outskirts of the city to the country estates of Russia's noble families around Moscow and their cosy mansion-houses in the old capital itself. The Empire period is also one of equal brilliance in all formsof the decorative and applied arts, which were developed to unprecedented heights in the creation of formal palace interiors.