Empress Catherine II of Russia, known popularly as Catherine the Great, was one of the most powerful and successful monarchs in history. Her reign saw significant advances in art, literature, and culture that helped shape modern Russia. But the Empress was also known for her controversial personal life, especially her rumored affair with a horse. However, there is another scandal from her reign that is less known but equally titillating ??? her collection of X-rated furniture.
The Secret Room of Catherine the Great
During her reign, Catherine the Great acquired a vast collection of erotic furniture and objects, which she kept in a secret chamber in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The room was hidden behind a bookcase and was accessible only to a select few, including the Empress and her most trusted confidantes. The furniture in the room was designed to provide sexual pleasure and was adorned with explicit carvings and decorations.
The Origins of Catherine's X-rated Collection
The origins of Catherine's collection are not clear, but it is believed that she acquired the pieces from various sources, including French and Italian craftsmen. The furniture was designed to cater to the Empress's personal tastes and desires, which were said to be very adventurous and unconventional.
The Most Notorious Piece: The Cabinet of Curiosities
The most notorious piece in Catherine's collection was the Cabinet of Curiosities, which was also known as the "pleasure cabinet." The cabinet was a large piece of furniture made of wood and covered in luxurious fabrics and ornaments. It was designed to be a multi-purpose piece of furniture that could be used for reading, writing, and other activities. However, the cabinet also had hidden compartments that contained a variety of X-rated objects, including phallic-shaped candlesticks, erotic figurines, and even a mechanical device that simulated sexual intercourse.
The Disappearance of Catherine's X-rated Collection
After Catherine's death in 1796, her X-rated collection disappeared. It is believed that the collection was either destroyed or hidden away by her successors, who were concerned about the scandalous nature of the objects. For many years, the existence of the collection was only known through rumors and whispers, until evidence of its existence was discovered in the archives of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
The Legacy of Catherine's X-rated Furniture
Despite the scandalous nature of Catherine's X-rated collection, it is a testament to her adventurous spirit and her willingness to explore taboo subjects. The collection also highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of the Empress's reign, which was marked by both great achievements and personal scandals. Today, Catherine the Great's legacy lives on through her collection of X-rated furniture, which remains a curious and fascinating artifact of a bygone era.
