Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-11-30
NO. 2S1.
Mr.. Vanderbilt's Decorations.

1 took . journey the other day away to the
| other side of Paris. to that fAr-off quarter
where Bouguereau and other great artists
abide, to see the magnificent window in
painted glass, which is destined for the din
ing-room of Mr.. William II. Vanderbilt's
new house in New York. This splendid work
of art, which is the largest one of the kind
ever executed for y secular building, is due
| to the talent of NJ. Oudinot. who is said to
be the first artist in the world in his peculiar
line. The subject of the picture is the meet
ing of the two kings Francis I. and Henry
VIII, on the Field of the Cloth Of Gold. In
the centre of the foreground. the two young
sovereigns, magnificent in dress and in ap-
poiutments, each mounted on q superb and
fiery steed, clasp hands. while, at the right.
Queen Claude of France, surrounded by her
attendants, contemplstes the greeting of the
rival monsrchs. King Francis rides a snow
white charger, with trappings Of azure and
gold, while llenrv's horse is dark bay.
gaily clad jester holds two hounds in leash
in the Immediate foreground TO the right,
while the rest of the picture is filed with the
knights, mobiles, spearmen, ETC., in attendance
on the two kings. In the background rise tho
gorgeous tents erected To shelter the throng
of royal and aristocratic personages. The
coloring of the work. which includes some
forty or fifty figures, is very superb. Moth
ing can be imagined richer in effect than is
the velvet carpet of the fias of the Queen, its
glowing crimson and rich gold border extend
ing so far over the field that it is fretted by
the hoofs of King Franciss steed. and throws
out to advantage the pure white Of the ami
NAL and the glitterng azure Of the silken
tassels that adorn his housings. This i'm
mense and gorgeous work will, II I under
stand rightly, fill in one end of Mr. Wander
bilt's dining room. while at the sides Of the
room will be placed smaller windows, each
painted by NJ. Oudnot, and representing ar
NOR. banners, panoplies, etc. each sur
mounted by the coat of-arms Of one Of the
mobiles that took part in the splendid
ceremonies of the Field Of the Cloth of
Gold. These escutcheons are all Of un-
questionable authenticity, having been
studied by the artist from the MSS. and
contemporary records of the time, preserved
in the National Library. NJ. Oudinot, who
is a genial, courteous, and most intelligent
gentleman, POUNDS on this elaborate work his
hopes Of transatlantic fame, and has bent all
the resources Of his energies and his talent to
the production Of masterpiece.
Whenever 20 among the artists of Paris
I hear of some and munfcent order
bv that most magnificent of modern million
aires. Mr. Vanderbilt. All that is of highest
merit in the world of modern art is secured
by him. not only to add luster to his already
famous home, but to enrich the scantily plen-
ished art treasures of the New World with
peerless and resplendent Jewels. Baudry has
already sketched out the ceiling for his draw
ing-room. representing the marriage of Cupid
and Psyche. and some of the finest antique
tapestries that have of late come into the
market, have been purchased to adorn his IL
brary.-Ms. Hooper in the philadelphia
Telegraph.