See this theme in halls 10 11
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Estates were major centres of economic and cultural life in Latvia. In addition to the manor-house, houses for guests and the estate managers house, there were outbuildings for processing and storing agricultural produce: the stable, barn, dairy, storehouse, hayshed, drying-house, smithy, mill and vodka distillery. The wealthier estate-owners built grand residences.
A Hamburg wardrobe (North Germany, c. 1700) from Grāvendāle Estate is Latvias most outstanding and elaborate piece of Baroque furniture. The influence of the Rococo style reached Latvia around the mid-18th century. Preserving evidence of the techniques and stylistic approach of the local craftsmen are two Rococo style wardrobes from the third quarter of the 18th century, a corner cupboard (1760s) and a commode (mid-18th century). The craftsmanship of the Classical Age is represented by a grandfather clock: the clock body was made in 1800 by the carpenter Neese of Šķēde Estate, with a mechanism by Kuldīga watchmaker Rudolph Gisy. Also displayed is an Empire style console table and chairs, likewise made in Latvia.
In the first half of the 19th century, the Biedermeier style was widely represented in the interiors of estates in Livland and Courland. Biedermeier styled interiors created a homogeneous and harmonious impression. The warm, light brown tones of the furniture, the light muslin curtains, flowers on the windowsills and small portraits hung symmetrically on the walls, miniatures, watercolours and the fashionable, inexpensive silhouettes all created a mood of homeliness and intimacy. The furniture is simply and geometrically proportioned, with carefully worked, veneered and highly polished surfaces. A decorative effect was achieved by utilising the natural colour and texture of wood. Expensive mahogany was less commonly used for veneer, choosing instead the local light-coloured woods: birch, cherry, maple, ash and elm.
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