Los Angeles herald., 1891-09-30
A TRIUMPH OF FREscoING.

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Marvel of Great Beauty-De Berra's
Fine Work.
For some months past Prof. Romeo De
Berra, fresco and scenic artist, has been
engaged in the decoration of Jerry
Illich's restaurant, at Nos. las and 147
North Main street. The work done has
been of a very extensive and expensive
character. Mr.. De Berra is really an
artist of distinction, and some of his
frescoes ornament the houses of a num-
ber of our opulent citizens. In the
present instance, however, he has sur
passed any previous performances in
this city, both in merit and magnitude.
| His work in the east has received great
recognition. The Hitch restaurant is
today, in its interior appointments, a
chef d. @uvre of scenic splendor, in the line
of true art, not only not approached in
California buC in the United States in
any public place. This is saying great
deal, of course, but it's absolute truth
and lack of exaggeration will be con-
ceded by any one who cares to look into
! the place.
The ceiling to the entrance and stair
way which leads up to the private rooms
is of an oval form and decorated
in the Pompeiian style. The four cor
ners have square angles. The frieze is
of stone color, and inside of it is a rail
in perspective. The four corners are
ornamented by four mascaroni, in imi-
tation of bronze. The center of the
piece is supported by shawl attached
to the four center parts. The shawl is
an exquisite imitation of ancient laces,
and is graced by four allegorical figures.
The general background is a beautiful
blue sky which would do justice to
either storied Italy or lovely Los An
geles. The rail is further ornamented
with flowers, fruits. etc. The effect is
really superb.
The walls are in the same style, cor
responding in colors and floral display.
The pillars supporting the ceiling are
in the same imitation of antique bronze,
embellished by figures symbolical of
spring and the other seasons, birds, a
shepherdess, music, hunting scenes,
game, fish and other appropriate mat
ters.
The whole effect is light, airy and in
describably charming, imparting an air
of finished grace and refined suggestions
to the entrance and the upper apart
ments that would attract the admiration
OF lady of the court OF Versailles in it's
palmiest days.
The ladies' restaurant and inside res
taurant are continuation of the same
style, and harmonic in an artistic en-
semble.
The main restaurant, which is forty
three feet long by seventeen feet broad
and seventeen feet high, is unique in its
design and in the multitude and perfec-
ton OF details. It's style of composition
is classic. The ceiling is divided into
twenty-four sections, every section ex-
cept one containing medallion of one
of the twenty-three presidents OF the
United States, with George Washington
at the head, flanked by Adams and JEFF
ferson and Grover Cleveland and Harri-
son at the rear. What would otherwise
be vacant panel facing Washington is
| filled with liberty head. The form of
decoration employed is octagon. Inside
of the sections is railway, in imitation
| of bronze, filled with flowers, fruits and
other appropriate things, suggestive of
a palace devoted to the gustatory
art. The minor panel represents
the coats of arms OF the United States
and OF California. The background of
| the ceiling is an imitation of the sky,
| Mi fho ltO16on Not nf Gor Erot1
in the extreme rear.
The work is what is known as basso
relieve in light shades, and the effect is
that of carving. Altogether, the con-
ception is garish and fanciful, and ad-
mirably suited to the nature of the
place which is embellished.
The walls are divided into three PAN
els on each side, making six altogether.
The center panel on the right hand side
as one enters represents the Rialto, in
Venice, with gondola surmounted by
winged lion, carrying q party Of ladies'
and gentlemen, who are reflected in the
waters of the grand canal beneath. The
play of the light and shadow is fine in
the extreme. Opposite, on the other
center panel, is view of the Lake of
the Four Cantons, and its picturesque
beauty is reproduced with startling
vraisemblance. The remaining four
panels are devoted to four pieces OF stat
uary, representing the four continents
of Europe, America, Asia and Africa.
1t is not easy to exaggefate the beauty
and elegance of the transformed Hitch
restaurant. They have to be seen to be
appreciated. 1t is only just to say that
it is Incompatible as respects anything
in any similar line in the United States.
The designs are happy and effective, the
execution superior and the impression