This week we’re visiting Rundale Palace in Latvia, newly restored to former glory. I can’t wait to go there.

This summer, New York-based photographer Christopher Flach discovered this world-heritage Latvian palace, Rundale. I had been aware of this baroque treasure, and knew it was undergoing major restoration. Chris was there just at the right moment.

Rundale, built between 1736 and 1740, is important because it paints a vivid portrait of the period from 1730 to around 1812. Rundale graphically embodies the world of an international coterie of eighteenth-century architects and craftsmen who traveled from one job-site to the next in Europe. These talents worked on palaces and museums for the Russian and Swedish and Latvian kings and czars and queens and empresses and nobles in the late eighteenth century.

Rundale Palace is one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque and Rococo art in the Baltic region.

Read more at the thestylesaloniste.com

Blue Lotus on ebay is selling a stunning 19th century suite of one settee and four armchairs.  The set is originally from the residence of Queen Ranavalona of Madagascar.

They are unable to determine which of the two last queens of Madagascar this belonged to.  Judging from the quality of the workmanship, carving, and gilding, this came from a fine Paris workshop.

Graceful and light in overall composition and ornamentation.  The settee measures 54″ x 28″ x 40″, and four armchairs, 27″ x 24″ x 36.5″.  Blue Lotus is selling this set for $2,500

Dutch Valley has a stunning Neo-classical painted commode for sale on ebay. The commode is finely carved with extravagent gilt details and has a green veined marble top. The credenza was originally made by French Heritage, and has two deep center drawers flanked by half round side cabinets with shelf space on turned and fluted legs. Dutch Valley has this listed for $5,499  Consider buying a Demilune cabinet for your home.

See Sheila Bridges’ Neoclassical Apartment On New York Social Diary