Heath's Picturesque Annual (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1844 edition. Excerpt: ...to find comparisons?-imagine the ampitheatres of Nismes, imitated upon a small scale, in gilt wood and painted card-board, and transported there as a counterfeit of that giants circus, and you will have the Olympic Circus of the Champs Elysees. rm: GREEN noom. 121 Nothing has been forgotten, either within or without, that could adorn this fragile structure. On the outside, M. Pradier has placed the most charming bas reliefs; in front, a beautifiil amazon breaks an unruly horse for mere amusement. Skilful artists, --for it is one of the royal customs of France, to summon painting and sculpture to its aid, on every occasion, --have covered the cupola and the walls with all kinds of brilliant fancies; you enter without ascending, and suddenly present themselves to you, a great variety of staircases, corridors, and passages, which lead to all parts of the edifice, in the centre of which, an immense chandelier presides by its brilliancy, over some thirty smaller ones. It appears to us, that the area is rather small for so imposing an enclosure; but what signifies the area? The real amusement is the vast saloon, filled with men and women of all colors, in sparkling confusion, assembled there by the only great artist who is sure to fill a saloon, by the only actor who is always welcomed, always adored by the public, always in voice, always in breath, --a low price. Since it was necessary to see every thing, we went into the green room of the actors. This green room is large, airy, well inhabited; you may enter, without the slightest notice being taken of your presence; not a salutation, not a smile, or a look will you receive, even from the young leader; these worthy performers are wholly absorbed in their appointed parts; when their.