Hau Edward Petrovich – Types of rooms of the Winter Palace. Third spare half. Lounge Hermitage ~ part 03

The drawing presents a lavishly appointed room, likely intended as a formal reception or lounge space. The composition is dominated by symmetry and order, reflecting a deliberate attempt to convey grandeur and refinement. Here we see a rectangular chamber defined by high ceilings adorned with intricate plasterwork – a combination of cartouches, rosettes, and scrolling foliage rendered in muted tones against the pale background.
The light source appears to be primarily from unseen windows, supplemented by the illumination emanating from an elaborate chandelier suspended centrally within the room. This fixture is a focal point, drawing the eye upward and emphasizing the height of the space. Flanking the chandelier are paired landscape paintings, their frames echoing the ornate detailing found throughout the room. These landscapes, though indistinct in detail, contribute to a sense of expansive views and cultivated taste.
Furniture arrangements further reinforce the formal nature of the setting. A large table draped with a deep red cloth sits centrally, surrounded by numerous upholstered chairs – their backs high and their legs elegantly curved. The placement of these chairs suggests a space designed for gatherings and conversation within a structured social context. Mirrored panels are positioned above the table, likely intended to amplify light and create an illusion of greater spaciousness.
The color palette is restrained but rich: pale creams and golds dominate the walls and ceiling, contrasted by the deep red of the table covering and the warm tones of the upholstery. The overall effect is one of opulence tempered by a sense of controlled formality. Subtly, the drawing conveys an atmosphere of privilege and established power – a space intended to impress and project authority. The meticulous detail in rendering the architectural elements and furnishings suggests a desire not merely to depict a room but to celebrate its inherent value as a symbol of status and refined taste.