Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-07-21
The French Palace of Industry.

A Paris correspondent of the Philadelphia North
American says that the nave of the Industrial
Palace, in its finished state, il by general consent
pronounced failure in regard to arrangement and
decoration. The goods are displayed in high, I'M
slightly wooden cases, which mar the architectural
effect Of the building very much. The appear.
ance Of the tops of the cases, fat and unfinished
IL such as to destroy the effect Of coup fei from
the gallery. The effect the whole is heavy and
crowded. and the attraction of the show consists
rather in the magnifcence of the goods, individu.
ally than In the general beauty of the interior Of
the building
The French furniture on exhibition at the Palace
embraces some Of the finest works Of the kind in
the world. The correspondent of the North Amer
lean says:
ut has become the fashion Of late to Introduce
into the panels Of these costly and luxurious pieces
Of furniture, bronxee darts of the finest quality
There several specimens Of this expensive taste
In the Panorama. It's effect is, perhaps, seen to
most advantage in carved ebony, of which book
case OF large size, nterspcrscd with bronze orna-
ments and panelings, is most superb specimen.
The cost may he estimated, whcn mention that
four Of its panels are filed with fine bronzes of the
celebrated gates Of Gbiberti at Florence. The
carving Of the wood work, however, il so admira-
BILE that 1t suffers nothing by being exposed to such
comparison. Another most remarkable piece Of
eAuiDlleu IL SORT Ol or
bahut, as the French term IL, in carved ivory, to
which 40 peculiar surface has been given that il
il only after asking the question that can feel
persuaded the whole il not in engraved and pol
ished metal. The bedroom furniture in carved
rose and tulip wood, inlaid with gilt bronze is OF
description which seems intended for any other
purpose than 10 be used and Of luxuriousness
which makes one almost shudder to think to what
civilization has brought us.n
One of the most remarkable items in the vast
collection Of rich and costly wares which are ex-
hibited to the gaze Of the wondering public Ia the
state dinner service, which has just been compile
ted after three years labor for Louis Napoleon,
by q French house. II is calculated for one hun
dred and twenty guests, and contains eight ele.
giant epergnes, as many superb eandelobras, and a
plateau or centre piece OF unusual dimensions.
The cost of this service is go O0O although IL il
only plated, or electrotyped. The same service
upon a much smaller scale, would cost, IL done in
silver, nearly half million. IL Is however, hea-
Willy charged with silver by the electrotype process
and Is in color Of that dull oxydised hue at present
so much in vogue, except in certain parts which
are polished to give brliance to the general effect
Nothing can exceed the finish Of the Details which
are indeed as its maker observed, p complete work
of art The eagle and the letter n are Of course
everywhere conspicuous; the borderings Of leaves
and other ornaments around the dishes and covers
are chef.d aupres of sculpture and the gravers art
The subject Of the plateau is France browning the
nations of the world at the Universal exhibition Of
1855. She stands in car drawn by oxen, all of
very large size.