, 1877-01-21
PARIS.
THE APPROACHING STATE BALL.

Special correspondence Gf 1He IFJon1E.
PARIS, Jan. 6-Society having fulfilled
| the exactions Of New-fear's Day, now wistfully
regards the Palace Of the Elyscc, where the
first grand state ball will take place before the
expiration Of the month. As all exclusion from
this most Important fete OF the season will con-
demn many to wander Oh the banks Of a social
Achcron, equally dismal as those Of the myth
illogical stream Of old, much anxiety exists
among large portion of society regarding ad-
mission to the EIysian realm. Six thousand in-
vitations are to be issued and preparations are
being made for scene Of splendor that has
never been excelled in this gayest city Of the
| world. AS no toilettes will perform SECOND
duty on this o:casion, lnodistcs arc actively en-
gagged designing styles OF artistic beauty fur
| those whose positions guarantee participation
| III the affair; and, as the Duchess Of Magenta
| always receives her guests without ostcntatuu
in manner or dress, her example on this oeea-
sion will not favor conspicuous elaboration. at
q recent reception at the Palace Of the E;Ysec
she wore q lacc-trimmed velvet robe, without
other ornament than the Gordon Of Maria Louise
Of Spain, and III equally brief description is
generally sufficient to define her Dress even on
the most important and cerernonlous occasions.
Among the
MOST RECHERCHE To1LErTEs
lately completed for the Princess Dominique
Capecc Furlo, one OF Spanish blonde dotted
with frosted silver, and worn over pale-blue
ty; and the turquoise ornaments, in delicate
silver mouutings, we're equally becoming, as tue
diamond coronet accompanying the ssgrandc
toilette "of the youthful bride L "to1cttc dc
visite'' IS OF dark-blue India cachemirc, richly
embroidered in Tighter shade, and the gondola
hat Of velvet is OF the darkest hue. This has a
high crown, draped with pale-blue failc, which
minglcs with shaded ostrich tips be-
hind, and a ruche Of tulle falls under
the gonlola rim. The Silotnc hat is of felt or
beaver, with high crown and slightly rolling at
the sides. 4 wide gailoon cncirclc5 the crown
and bow o[ black iraniennc mingliug with
ostrich tips torms proper trimming for the
side.
FANS FOR CHURCH WEAR
As the demand for artistic fans has opened
new field for the exercise of genius, and suita-
bic paintings are selected for various occasions it
is singular lact that no fans have been properly
adorned Tor solemn occasions. This was brought
to view by fashionable dame, who found her
self cooling her de:otiuss in a lcnsely crowded
churcl.with IN adventure Of Don QuiNote. Sub
se1uently consulting all artist regarding suit
that cupy OF the Holy Family would combine
sentiment, pdety, and beauty, with the triumph
OF art. An otlcr was sent to Florcucc for a
copy Of the most unique picture OF the subject,
without limiting the expense, which was fol-
1uwed in due season by the receipt Of an cxquis-
ie painting OH Il parchment fan. 1t was a copy
from one by Lueo Massari, whose apparent ir-
revercnt conceptions render the subject I
more luuicrOu5 tnan tue adventure OF
Don Qui1utc. St. Joseph is hanging
up clothes TO dry under the trees OF Nazareth,
the Virgin IS washing, and the infant Jesus is
general assistant, apparently meditatins OH the
proper selection Of garments from the tub over
which he is leaning, and which he is evidently |
handing to Joseph to relieve the labors OF
THE WASHING DAY. |
This picture is highly esteemed in Florence as |
a work Of art, but the natural treatment of the |
subject is so at Variance with Raphacrs coneep- |
tions which Ecover the poverty OF the Fa rnily t
with celestial purity, that it seems like sacri!egc
to reflect 4 moment on the possibility Of the
truth Of .Massaris painting
4 recent pleasant entertainment given BY |
Airs. Lucy Hooper, the well-known Philadelphia |
correspondent, vas attended BY many distin-
guishcd Americans and Parisians, aud you will |
be pleased to know that the distinguished |
portrait-painter, Mr.. Hcaiy, so long a resident
OF Chicago, was also present with bis daughter
on the enjoyable occasion.
THEATRICAL INTEREST
is at present centercd in - La Refine Margot,"
By Dumas, at the Porte Saint Martin, where
Mile. Dica-Petit assumes the role Of Queen. The
peerless beauty Of Marguerite Of France, Queen
of Navarro and Of France, daughter Of Henry