Francesco bartolomeo rastrelli biography of barack

Smolny Cathedral St. Petersburg
(1748-64). A masterpiece of Russian
architecture of the late 18th century.

TERMS
For a short guide to terminology
see: Architecture Glossary.

Rastrelli's Architecture

One of the greatest architects active in Russia, Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli was chiefly responsible for the style of architecture that became known as Russian Baroque, making him an important contributor to Russian art, as well as one of the great Baroque architects, of the 18th century.

He started as a court artist under Peter the Great (ruled 1682-1725), before being appointed senior court architect in 1730 by Empress Anne. In this role, Rastrelli directed the campaign of architectural renovation and construction carried on during the reigns of Anne (1730-40) Elizabeth (1741-62), Catherine (1762-96) and Alexander I (1801-25), creating an unmistakable style of Baroque architecture that blends Russian typologies with Renaissance arc