IGNORANCE (by J. Comerre Paton), Luxembourg Gallery, Paris, France.—This is one of the most celebrated paintings by this popular artist. The outlines of the girl are perfect. The graceful curves of the arms, the sweet expression of the face and the tender look of the eyes are all charmingly beautiful. The tiny cap, the loose garment, the uncovered feet, the bare arms, and the comfortable position of the girl, all add to her beauty. In the photograph the blended colors of the original painting are lost, yet the subject can be well studied from this copy.
ROYAL PALACE, Versailles, France.—This palace presents a most imposing appearance; the principal façade is no less than one-fourth of a mile long. The building dates back, for the erection of its various parts, to several different periods, and was the royal residence of the various rulers of France. It has remained uninhabited since it was sacked by a Parisian mob, which included many thousand women. The various halls and rooms are now devoted to the use of most interesting picture galleries.
ROYAL CARRIAGE, Versailles, France.—In the Museum of Carriages at Versailles is a collection of royal vehicles from the time of the first Emperor to the baptism of the Prince Imperial in 1856, besides sledges of the time of Louis XIV., and sedan chairs. The royal carriage in the picture is that of Charles X., afterwards used by Napoleon on various occasions, the letter "N" being still seen on the drapery adorning the seat. The carriage is valued at $200,000, and considered one of the finest vehicles of its kind in the world.
LAST VICTIMS OF THE REIGN OF TERROR (By Muller) Versailles Gallery, Versailles, France.—The French Revolution, more commonly termed the "Reign of Terror," is perhaps unparalleled in the history of civilized countries. Hundreds of citizens were guillotined, and when that process proved too slow, they were shot down by platoon-fire. The picture represents a prison scene crowded with "suspects." The officer to the right, with a list of condemned criminals, calls out the names of those to be put to death, each one fearing that his or her name will be next called to join the procession to the guillotine on the Place de la Concorde. The photograph presents a view of the last victims of that terrible war.
NAPOLEON AT AUSTERLITZ (By Vernet), Versailles Gallery, Versailles, France.—The conqueror here views the progress of the battle between the French troops, numbering 90,000 men, and the allied forces of fully 80,000. Napoleon, on his white horse, receives reports from his generals in the field, while with his field-glass he watches the advancing columns of both sides. This decisive battle was witnessed by three Emperors, those of France, Russia and Austria, and resulted in a glorious victory for Napoleon and the French. A treaty of peace followed between France and Austria; but it was of short duration, for the dangerous ambition of Napoleon could not fail to force all European nations into alliance.
NAPOLEON (by Gosse), Versailles Gallery, Versailles, France.—The above represents the "Little Corporal" on July 7, 1807, at Tilsit, a commercial town of Eastern Prussia, ratifying the treaty with Russia and Prussia. Russia needed rest, and Napoleon was not sorry to pause. It was the highest point of the Emperor's renown. His hand was felt throughout all Europe; it seemed as if England alone were beyond his power.
ROYAL PALACE, Fontainebleau, France.—This palace, situated on the south-west side of the town, is said to occupy the site of a former fortified chateau, founded in 1162. It was Francis I., however, who converted the mediæval fortress into a palace of almost unparalleled extent and magnificence. The exterior is less imposing than that of some other contemporaneous edifices, as the building, with the exception of several pavilions, is only two stories in height. It was a favorite residence of Napoleon.
THRONE ROOM, Fontaineleau Palace, France.—This magnificent hall, with a ceiling in relief, containing a chandelier in rock-crystal, and wainscoated in the reign of Louis XIV., is perhaps the most sumptuous apartment of the palace. From here Napoleon almost ruled the world. The canopy of the throne rises by graceful folds to the rim of the high crown. The bees and the letter "N" on the chair, and on either side of the throne, are symbolic of Napoleon. It was in this same room where the Emperor declared his divorce from Josephine.
APARTMENT OF TAPESTRIES, Fontainebleau Palace, France.—This room is embellished with tapestry from Flanders, woven into the myth of Psyche. The ceiling is in relief, the old-fashioned mantel-piece dating back to the sixteenth century, while the vases and clock are the finest Sevres ware. The table in the centre is the same one on which Napoleon signed his abdication before taking his parting leave from his old Guard on the 20th of April, 1814, to go into exile at Elba. The floor of inlaid polished wood has been much worn by the feet of travelers passing through the palace daily.
APARTMENT OF MME. DE MAINTENON, Fontainebleau Palace, France.—Madame de Maintenon was the second wife of Louis XIV., although no written proof of such a marriage is extant; but, that it took place, is nevertheless certain. As a wife, she was wholly admirable; she had to entertain a man that would not be amused, and was obliged to submit to a terribly strict court etiquette of absolute obedience to the King's inclinations. This she always did cheerfully, and never complained of weariness or illness. Her apartments still appear as they did when occupied by her.