PANTHEON, Paris, France.—This structure standing on the highest ground in the City of Paris, occupies the site of the tomb of Ste. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. The present edifice was completed in 1790. The new church was dedicated to Ste. Genevieve, but in 1791 the Convention resolved to convert it into a kind of memorial temple, which they named the "Pantheon." In 1885 it was secularized for the obsequies of Victor Hugo. The edifice is of most imposing dimensions, in the form of a Greek cross. The building resembles the Pantheon in Rome.
LOUVRE BUILDINGS, Paris, France.—Here are presented the most important public buildings in Paris, both architecturally and on account of the treasures of art they contain. The oldest part of the Louvre has been the scene of many historical events. It is divided into two different sections, the ground floor being devoted to an Egyptian museum. The other apartments contain the Asiatic museum, collections of ancient sculpture, collections of Renaissance sculpture, collections of modern sculpture, a picture gallery, a saloon of the ancient bronzes, and a collection of Greek and other antiquities.
VENUS DE MILO, Louvre Gallery, Paris.—This statue of Aphrodite, which was found on the Island of Melos, now Milo, at the entrance to the Greek Archipelago, was sold to the French Government for 6000 francs, and is now not for sale for its weight in gold. It is exhibited in the Louvre and represents one of the most celebrated treasures of the Gallery. Aphrodite is here represented, not only as a beautiful woman, but as a goddess, as is seen by her powerful and majestic form and the noble expression of the head, indicating her independence of human needs and the placid self-competence of her divine character. It is one of the masterpieces which constitute the great marvel of antiquity.
TOMB OF PHILLIPPE POT,
Louvre Gallery,
Paris, France.
PEACEMAKER OF THE VILLAGE (by Greuze), Louvre Gallery, Paris, France.—This painting was executed by the renowned French artist when nearly at the zenith of his powers, and is only one of the many giant masterpieces by this celebrated painter. Greuze, when quite young, showed considerable talent, which was encouraged by a Lyonese artist. At the advice of the latter, he drifted to Paris and produced several Biblical subjects, followed by others of the same class. He left France for Italy, but returned soon after and produced the above painting in 1759-61, followed by others, with increasing success.
THE LAST VEIL (by Bouret),
Luxembourg Gallery,
Paris, France
ARREST IN THE VILLAGE (by Salmson),
Luxembourg Gallery,
Paris, France.
A MOTHER (By Lenoir),
Luxembourg Gallery,
Paris, France.
JOAN OF ARC (By Chapu), Luxembourg Gallery, Paris, France.—Known in France as Jeanne d'Arc, the maid of Orleans was born about 1411. In 1428, when Orleans, the key to the south of France, was infested by the English, she rode at the head of an army, clothed in a coat of mail, armed with an ancient sword, and carrying a white standard of her own design, embroidered with lilies, and having on the one side the image of God holding the world in His hand, on the other a representation of the annunciation. The siege of the town was broken, but she was often accused of being a heretic and sorcerer, and was burned at the stake May 30, 1431.
PAYING THE REAPERS (by Lhermitte), Luxembourg Gallery, Paris, France.—This famous painting, from which the photograph is a direct copy, represents a farm scene. The laborers have just finished their day's work. The man with the scythe, rolled-up sleeves and open shirt, is a genuine representation of an honest and industrious laborer. The expression on his face shows a tired look, but a spirit of contentment gently steals over his face, which nearly all true and honest country people possess after a day's hard labor.