Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1830 edition. Excerpt:... gilt bronze. The tabernacle, which is of large proportions, is decorated with four fluted Corinthian columns. The front and sides, of white marble, are enriched with antique candelabra, to which are attached wreaths of fruit. The pavement of the high-altar is a beautiful coloured marble or mosaic-work. The chapels of the dome are six in number; two of them, with the great door, magnificently ornamented with Jleurs de lis and the initials of St. Louis, and the sanctuary, form the Greek cross; the four others are at the angles. The latter, in the same style of architecture, and decorated with similar ornaments, are ascended by seven marble steps. Their elevation is about 74 feet by a diameter of 36. Eight three-quarter columns of the Corinthian order, raised upon pedestals, have between them at equal distances three arches, three niches, and two windows, and support an entablature, above which is a kind of attic from which the vaulted ceiling springs. Theattic presents four figures of bas-relief surmounted by escutcheons. These bas-reliefs are separated from each other by bucklers and olive, laurel and palm branches, intermingled with lilies, roses, and other flowers, according to the different symbols of the four Fathers of the Church to whom the chapels are dedicated. Above the attics are projecting tablets, supported by angels, and ornamented with foliage and shell-work. The first chapel to the right, on entering by the great door, is dedicated to St. Augustine. It contains the following pictures by Louis Boullogne, viz.: --St. Augustine preaching at Hipposia, in the presence of bishop Valerius; his Baptism; his Conversion; the Saint on his death-bed, curing a sick man; his Conference at Carthage with the followers of Donatus, whom he..