Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli (1700 in Paris, France – April 29, 1771 in Saint Petersburg, Russia) is a French-born Russian architect of Italian descent.
He develops an easily recognizable style of Late Baroque, both sumptuous and majestic.
His major works, including the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg and the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, are famed for extravagant luxury and opulence of decoration.