Architect and interior designer Giacomo Quarenghi died on 2 March 1817 in St Petersburg, Russia. Quarenghi studied painting first in Bergamo and Rome before giving his attention to architecture. During this period in Rome, and a later period of study the works of Palladio in Venice, Quarenghi aligned himself with the artistic ideals of Neo-Classicism. His demonstrate dedication to maintaining classical unity and characterized by precise, functional layouts.
In 1779 Quarenghi was invited to the Imperial Court in St. Petersburg, and though he intended to stay there only a few years, ended up spending the rest of his life in Russia, with occasional return trips to Italy. Quarenghi was a masterful urban planner, and many of St. Petersburg’s most prominent buildings from this period, such as the Hermitage Church and Stock Exchange were designed and located by him.
Reference:
N. A. Yevsina. “Quarenghi, Giacomo.” Grove Art Online. Oxford Art Online. Oxford University Press, accessed March 2, 2016,
Design for the Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens, 1806-1808, Pen, brush, Indian ink and watercolour, on paper. The Hermitage, St. Petersburg.
Photo of the Hermitage Theater, 1783-1787, St. Petersburg.
Design for the Hermitage Theater, 1783-1787, watercolor on paper, The Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg.
Academy of Sciences, 1783-1789, St. Petersburg
Photo of the Kuzimino Church of the Annunciation, St. Petersburg