RECEPTION HALL
The spacious reception hall that extends the length of the main part of Beauvoir House immediately claims attention by its now seldom seen rounded corners, unusually high ceiling, and beautifully frescoed walls and ceiling done by the German artist Meuhler, later retouched by a talented decorator. But there is great interest also in the furnishings, almost all of which were used by Jefferson Davis and his family during their occupancy of Beauvoir, and either kept there or returned later.
The original pieces found here are the two hall seats, octagon in form, built under the supervision of Mrs. Davis; the large sideboard, unusual in design, placed here for use when the guests were too many to be served in the regular dining room; the silver tray on the sideboard, and the painting above it, La Bella de Tiziano from a collection of Baroness Alphonse de Rothschild of Paris; the much admired pier mirror and console table of rosewood, purchased in Paris by Mrs. Davis in 1870; the large square table with its fine marble top, said to have been used by Jefferson Davis while in the first White House of the Confederacy; and the handsome mahogany secretary at the far end of the room. Also of interest in this inviting hall is the painting of Joseph Davis, favorite brother of Jefferson Davis, sent the Shrine by his great-niece from New York.