The Cameron Gallery, called in honour of its builder, with the graceful colonnade formed by Ionic fluted columns and a spectacular terrace with bow-shaped stairs led into the park, is a part of the architectural complex of Cameron’s Thermae. The constructing was started in 1783 and finished in 1787. According to Cameron’s design the building was decorated with three bronze statue by the sculptor F.G. Gordeyev and the casting master V.B. Mozhalov. The colossal statues of Hercules of Farnese and Flora of Farnese were put up on pylons of the stairs. In a grotto under the stairs there was the statue of sleeping Ariadna (or Cleopatra as it was considered earlier). The massive ground floor was used for living ladies in waiting, the gallery on the first floor was intended for Catherine II’s walkings and looking round landscape views. Imaging the gallery as an entrance hall leading from tsar’s apartment to the park (or from the park into the palace), the Empress ordered to decorate the colonnade with busts of the ancient world heroes, Roman emperors and some of contemporaries. During walkings Catherine II often showed her portrait gallery to guests. Cameron Charles
Catherine II, Empress
Mozhalov, V.B.
Sadovaya Street/Pushkin, town