Hau, Eduard Petrovich – Types of rooms of the Winter Palace. Third spare half. Bedroom Hermitage ~ part 03

The drawing presents a lavishly appointed chamber, seemingly intended as a bedroom within a grand residence. The overall impression is one of opulent formality and restrained luxury. Here we see a space dominated by green – a deep emerald hue covering the walls in patterned wallpaper and extending to the heavy draperies that frame the windows and doorway. This pervasive green establishes a somber, almost regal atmosphere.
The room’s layout adheres to a symmetrical design. A large four-poster bed anchors the right side of the composition, its dark wood contrasting with the vibrant green backdrop. The bed is flanked by matching armchairs and a tall cabinet, reinforcing the sense of balance and order. Across from the bed, a smaller table set for what appears to be tea or light refreshments occupies the center of the room. A substantial mirror reflects the space back upon itself, creating an illusion of greater depth and amplifying the abundance of detail.
The ceiling is treated with considerable care; it’s painted in pale pink tones, adorned with decorative moldings and a series of cartouches. The elaborate chandelier suspended from the center draws the eye upward, emphasizing the rooms height and grandeur. A patterned rug covers the floor, its intricate design adding another layer of visual complexity to the scene.
The doorway leading into an adjacent space is partially obscured by crimson drapes, hinting at further rooms beyond and suggesting a larger complex. The light filtering through these curtains creates a subtle contrast with the prevailing green tones, introducing a touch of warmth and intrigue.
Subtly, the drawing conveys notions of power and status. The sheer scale of the room, the richness of the materials, and the meticulous attention to detail all speak to the wealth and privilege of its inhabitants. The formality of the arrangement – the symmetrical layout, the matching furniture – suggests a deliberate presentation of self, an adherence to established social norms. The absence of human figures contributes to this sense of staged display; the room itself becomes the subject, a symbol of refined taste and aristocratic life. It is not merely a space for rest but a carefully constructed environment designed to project authority and elegance.