Collection of W. T. Walters; 5 [I.E. 65] Mt. Vernon Place, Baltimore (English, Welsh, Paperback)

. 1892 edition.: ...of the Interior, and the commission was given to M. Paul Delaroche. His first sketch, which comprised not more than twenty-four figures, being approved of, the contract was signed. It will be immediately perceived that, on the part of the artist, these terms have not been strictly adhered to. Inspired with a noble ambition to leave behind him such a work as should connect his name honorably with those of the great men who had gone before him, and justify the choice of his country and the general applause of Europe (for his was already a European fame), Delaroche, while adhering to his first conception, gradually enlarged it, till the twenty-four figures had extended to seventy-five, and after nearly four years of incessant study, the magnificent composition as we now behold it was unveiled to an impatient public. It received its due meed of admiration and applause, as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of the productions of modern times; and it is proper to record that on its completion the high-minded artist absolutely refused any further remuneration than that which he at first stipulated for, a sum which scarcely repaid the cost of labor and material; the thought and the time were given, or rather were munificently consecrated, to art and to his country. The space covered by the painting measures not less than fifty feet in length, by about fifteen in height. The figures in front are colossal; those farther removed are life-size. There are here no tricks of art by way of enhancing the effect of some figures at the expense of others. The whole is lighted up by a broad daylight from above, the real light and the artificial light being the same. The painting is in oil; but being on a curved, not a flat surface, the inconvenience of reflected lights is avoided, and every part is equally illuminated. All the personages are still; the animation is in the expression and attitude, without movement, which gives to the multitude of...