The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-09-18
From the N. Y. Evening Post.
The Chrysarma or Golden
Chariot

Chariot
OF RAYMOND & WARING's MEYAGRRIE.
This grand Exhibition passed, early on Mon
day morning. through the lower part of this
city TO The South Ferry, for Long Island.
Our attention was particularly attracted by
new vehicle, drawn by ten large and beau
tlful black horses, which preceded the i'm
mense cavalcade. 1t is unquestionubly the
most stupendous creation of sculptural and
decorative art that has been produced in any
nation ofthe modern world, and it probably
rivals any ofthOse renowned triumphal char
lots of Cambyses or Snrdanapalus, Cleopa-
ira or Alexander, Alcibadcs or the Caesars,
with which classical history and poetry eXalt
our conceptions ofthe splendor ofthe ancient
empires.
1t is blazing prodigy of crimson, ipurple,
and gold, seventeen feet high, and twenty
one feet in length, exhibiting classical figures
of colossal stature, in bold and vigorous
sculpture, grouped with lordy animals of the
forest, projected in similar proportions. 1t
is free from all tinsel aud himsy ornament,
and makes predominant impression of
sumptuous and substantial grandeur, blend
ed with the highest compatible degree of
grace and beauty. The first figure that com
mands the eye, on the right side, over the hind
wheel, is that of an Herculean archer, in the
attitude and act of aiming, with Il well drawn
bow aud barbed arrow, AT the open mouth
ola massive tiger, crouched over the fore
wheel, and turning with ferocious rage tow
ard his assaiant. These figures of the arch
er and tiger are not carved merely in high
relief but, at most points, in all the free force
aud full effect of detached statuary; the for
mer figure being apparently study from the
Grecian antique of Sagittarus, and the latter
from some suberb specimen of the tiger in
the Menagerie-sO natural and living is lis
expression. About midway between these
figures, and, therefore. on The
waist of the carriage, above the space be-
tween the wheels, is II remarkably gorgeous
proftlsion ofcarved work, surrounding con-
vcX compartment or panel, containing soft
and charming painting of the Genius OLA
mcrica, seated in the chariot of Neptune on
the waves, bearing the banner of the Union
and hernlded by Fame. This picture forms
n medallion in the centre ola cnpncious gold
ell shield which expands into IA radlating Dor
der of the boldest relief, and of that peculiar
style technically known as the shell fill, so
famous in the higher efforts of arabasque
carving, and ofwhich this probably consd-
Iutes the largest and richest example eNtant
in any country. On the right front, in ad.
vance oflhe couGhant tiger, is full sized
statue of Pan, the tutelary deity of the Area
dian shepherds and patron of hunters, seat
ed on his shaggy launches, blowing his syr-
ink or pastoral reeds uhe origin of the orgun,)
md hearing on his right arm his curved staff.
This is one of'the best and most deliberately
executed classical statues with which this
vast vehicle is adorned, although it might
possibly have been still! more effective in an
erect attitude. Like all the other figures and
carved work, il CLOVIS in Furnished gold, so
solidly metallic to the sight as to seem rath-
or n cast in that precious metal than an eXte-
rior plating. But it would he great inius-
ice to the sumptuousness of this astonishing
fabric not TO award the wurmest ecomiums
10 the carved flowers and foliage which oc-
,uPy every accessible and appropriate space
around the animated forms on either side
That pre- enincnty ornate and graceful stem
oiage, flowing in long arches and curved
known in its two varieties of
Franco English and English arabasque, which
lns excited the cmulous study of American
Artists for several years past, is here display
I'd in mastery of taste and Workmanship
Of the transcendanl success
which that emulation has achieved. Better
specimens ofthis enchanting ornament, in
rec wood carving, do not certainly exist;
md those soaring over the head ofthe beard
ID archer, above described, give I'M outline
If imposing grandeur 10 this lofty portion of
he vehicle which scarcely any other design
,ould equal.
The front of the carriage rests upon the
packs of two monstrous and grotesque ALI
gators, in bronze, who seem compressed be-
heath its ponderous weight. Both in design
md execution, these huge figures possess
great merit, evincing daring freedom with
he grotesque upon which few modern artists
nave presumed, and which it requires n po-
fI,n
md heraldic forms of old oriental art, fully to
appreciate. But passing around these to the
eft front of the chariot, we arrive at IL piece
If sculpture with the subject of which the
popular mind is more familiar. 1t is that of
Diana, the huntress, the free, healthful, strong
iud active maiden goddess of the chase,with
BOW and culver, bare breasts.an flowing tn
nc, careerng onward in pursuit, attended by
ler fond and faithful hound. Even to the
Incouth figure of the classic hound, is this
production true to the STANDARD models; and
no critic would hesitate 10 pronounce i: the
best copy, ofthe size of life, that has been
produced III the same material. 1t necessa-
'ily occupies nearly the whole space over
The left fore wheel; and brings us TO the CEN
ral compartments ofcarved work OH this side
We have here another convex panel, med
llione ed, like the former, in spacious shell
shield. spreading into similar projecting frill
work, of equal workmanship and splendor.
But the painting, on this side, is highly fin
slled gem that will elicit universal admira-
ton. The scene is wooded and rocky
dell, affordng distant and soft per-
spectivc, and exhibiting, on the foreground,
Il group of three or four figures of which the
centre one is fine and spirited conception
of manly beauty and vigor very rarely equal
led. 1t is that ola tanner of savage beasts
f,pt.. hnc
aud subdued royal tiger in its glen, and
who stands with his foot upon its PROSTATE
and submissive form, while two lovely fe-
males npproach him with long Mrenth of