An exceptional Russian carved walnut buffet, I. Platonov, circa 1890

in Renaissance revival style to a design by Stephan Galenzovsky, the upper part with an overhanging cornice above a door carved with Diana, a cupid and a faun signed De C.G., flanked by classical figures, the lower part with two gadrooned frieze drawers centred by lion masks, above two panelled doors inlaid with the monograms G.Z. and G.S., intersposed terms above two further drawers on bun feet

This fine side cabinet is associated with the Renaissance revival cabinet by Meltzer not only on stylistic grounds but also on account of their having been part of an interior decorative scheme for some years. Both pieces were carved by de Camille. The present cabinet was designed by Galenzovsky who achieved a gold medal for his designs at the Paris Exhibition in 1900. He also designed the palace interiors for the Grand Duchess Ksenia Aleksandrovna, the daughter of Alexander III and sister of Tsar Nicholas II. It is possible that this cabinet was indeed part of that commission.

Platonov started business in 1878 but by the end of the century he was employing up to 200 people. He contributed a similar cabinet in Renaissance revival style to the 1896 exhibition in Nizhni Novgorod. As we have noted, he included royalty amongst his clientele.