Paul i, the emperor of russia, who became the grand master of the order of malta in 1799, had this carved, gold-covered wooden throne made for the knights' chapel near vorontsov palace in saint petersburg to magnify his new dignity. Telesforo bonaveri was commissioned to the work based on a design by the neo-classical architect giacomo quarenghi (1744-1817), who was in charge of building the chapel. A pair of hawks with outstretched wings serve as elbow-rest, their talons resting on flattened pads. Date: 1800. Collection: Palace of Versailles. Trône et marchepid de Paul 1er - Exposition Versailles
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