It is commonly acknowledged that the Golden Age of Russian art and patronage was achieved during the reign of Catherine the Great in the second half of the 18th century. Politically astute and an avid writer she made Russia the cultural envy of Europe's courts, employing the most avant- garde artists and architects of the day to decorate, build and furnish the lavish palaces of the Imperial Romanov Court. Russia's royal and aristocratic elite enjoyed probably the most exclusive and luxurious lifestyle in all of Europe. Catherine commissioned the Palace of Pavlovsk for her beloved son Pavel, who was later to become Tsar Paul I of Russia. Located beyond the political framework of St. Petersburg, the design and furnishing of Pavlovsk was to be a personal journey for Catherine and her family. The Empress chose her favorite architect, the Scotsman Charles Cameron to execute the plans in the manner of the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. The marriage of Paul to Maria Feodorovna became a turning point in the history of Pavlovsk as they toured the courts of Europe acquiring works of art and paintings of the most exceptional quality. Princess Maria was to devote her life to Paul, their family and Pavlovsk; the summer palace becoming a reflection of the private lives of generations of Imperial families. USING FINE MATERIALS AND TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP ON EACH INDIVIDUAL PIECE, THEODORE ALEXANDER HAS BECOME EMINENT IN ITS FIELD- RENOWNED AS A UNIQUE BRAND EMBODYING QUALITY IN DESIGN. theodorealexander. com