[The Idler in France by Marguerite Gardiner]@TWC D-Link bookThe Idler in France CHAPTER V 16/18
The pictorial adornments in this _salon_ are executed by the first artists of the day, and with a total disregard of expense, so that it is not to be wondered at that they are beautiful. Military trophies are mingled with the decorations, the whole on a white ground, and richly ornamented with gilding.
The Seine, with its boats, and the gay scene of the Tuilerie Gardens, are reflected in the mirrors opposite to the windows, while the groups on the panels are seen in the others. Nothing can exceed the beauty of this room, in which such fine proportion, architectural decoration, and exquisite finish reign, that the eye dwells on it with delight, and can trace no defect. The door on the right-hand end, on entering, opens to a less richly ornamented _salon_, inside which are two admirable bed-chambers and dressing-rooms, communicating by an _escalier derobe_ with a suite of servants' apartments. The door on the left-hand end of the large _salon_ opens into a beautiful room, known as the _Salle de la Victoire_, from its being decorated by paintings allegorical of Victory.
This apartment is lighted by two large windows, and opposite to them is a deep recess, or alcove. A cornice extends around the room, about four feet beneath the ceiling, and is supported by white columns, projecting into the chamber, on each of which stands a figure of Victory offering a wreath of laurels.
This cornice divides the room from the recess before mentioned. The chimney-piece is in a recess, with columns on each side; and the large mirror over it, and which is finished by the cornice, is faced by a similar one, also in a recess, with white columns, standing on a plinth on each side.
The windows are finished by the former cornice, that extends round the rooms, and have similar columns on each side with Victories on them, and a mirror between.
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