Plate XXVI.—Two Views of the Hallway, Lee Mansion.
As the ponderous front door swings open, one enters a grandly spaced hall, wainscoted waist high in solid mahogany. At the right is a deeply recessed window, and a door on either side of the hall leads into rooms beyond. Above the casing of these entrances runs the classic egg and tongue molding. The feature of the hallway is the wall-paper. This represents scenes of Grecian ruins, such as shattered columns, temples, landscapes, coats of mail, each set in a separate panel, handsomely carved. It is finished in soft tones of gray, beautifully blended, doubtless the highest development of early decorative art.
Plate XXVII.—Wallpapers, Lee Mansion.
At the rear of the hall, ascends the grand staircase, with boxed stairs spacious enough for several people to walk abreast. It is quite likely that the stair rail was made on the other side of the water. The finely turned balusters of regularly varying style, together with the exquisitely wrought carvings and delicate panels running along the side of the staircase, are expressive of the taste and skill which went into its building. A great, arched window, which floods the hall with light, is inserted at the landing, and is flanked by several pilasters, which seem to support the high ceiling encircled with heavily dentated corners, and heighten the effect of grandeur. From this lofty window the broad hall is lighted.
Plate XXVIII.—Wood Carving, Lee Mansion.
In this hallway at the time of Lafayette's visit to the house, the banquet tables were set. The ever-loyal ladies of Marblehead sent for the entertainment some of their choicest belongings: table-cloths of wonderful damask brought from over the seas, rare old silver, and choice English glass.