Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-06-01
The ROYAL PALACE
Future Home of King Alfonso
and His Queen One. of Great
Magniticencc
MOST suMPTlous IN EUROPE

Art Treasures from All Over the
/ World Lavished on the Decoration
of the Royal Palace at Madrid -
| History of the Palace-Gorgeous
| Decorations.
Madrid, June 1.-The royal palace Of
Madrid is doubly interesting just now,
as the future home of the royal couple.
| The suite of apartments designed for
| the future queen have been most Law
ishly prepared With the richest art
treasures from the galleries of Spain.
But aside from this, the palace itself
is one of the largest and most sump-
tuous of Europe. 1t is built on the
former site of the Alcazar OF the an
cient kings. from plans by the Italian
artist, Giovanni Bettirta Sacchetti The
first stone was laid in 1888 and tWen-
tysix years afterwards Charles Ill
took possession of the cdifcc and be-
gan the decoration of the interior. The
expenditure amounted to 100000, 900
reales. Immense substructures give the
palace a dominating position on the
Mauzanares river and lend ii the APP
pearance not only of a palace but of
a great citadel commanding the city.
1t covers an expanse of 22.500 square
metres: $50 feet on each side and $50
feet high. The massive structure is OF
granite thruout, except the frames of
the doors and windows, which are of
marble.
The entrance to the Royal palace.
which is conceded TO be one of the
most magnificent in the world, has
been further enriched for the present
occasion II is gorgeously carpeted
and ornamented. Illuminated day AMI
night by myriads of electric lights
concealed within the rich gold cor
nices, with Halbadieres in their bril-
liant uniforms acting as guards. AT
the first landing. serving as pillars to
the balustrade, there are two enormous
lions of stone, the work of the Sculp-
tors. Castro and Michel. 1t Is well
known that Napoleon l had a jealous
regard for these lions on the day that
he admired the palace. remarking to
his brother that they were better
housed than he himself in Paris. The
high vaulted ceiling contains notable
paintings by the Neapolitan artist Car
ado Giaquinto. heir of the great dec
orator Lucas Jordan. The largest and
most important fresco, which occu-
pies the center, is an allegory of the
Triumph of Religion, assisted by
Spain"
The Sale DIES Ambassadors, where
the imposing reception will take place
after the wedding, is one Of the most
splendid apartments of the palace, with
fittings of incalculable value. The
flooring is of different marbles which
form designs in the Italian style. The
walls are hung with crimson velvet
and gilt ornaments the brightness of |
which has been toned down by time.
The enormous mirrors, which came
from the royal factory of LAGRANGE
are surrounded by heavy gold frames
of the time of Charles ", while inter-
venng statues of bronze and marble
heroes, pagan gods and allie
gorical figures. Some Of the notable
adornments of this remarkable apart
ment are THE Fawn," by PraXiteles;
Venus" and Mercury" after the con-
ception of Jean de Bologna; Jupiter
on the Eagle" and at each side of the
throne statues of Prudence and Jus
tice, represented as the counselors of
kings.
THE royal throne is under superb
red canopy. situated above the steps
~ioh11 cd tn l,a
aitfer side stand four gilt lions, rep
resented as controlling the world. The
ceiling forms brilliant contrast, be-
ng clear and luminous. 1t was exc
,uted by the famous Venetian painte,
Tiepolo, and is said to be one of the
most finished decorative works in the
world. The idea developed in this vast
is 's.Ahe Glory of the Span
sh Monarchy represented by
proud matron seated on throne and
attended by allegorical deities, con-
a sky peopled by numerous
1gures, among them Mercury. the
symbol of material prosperity. In the
corners appear picturesau groups of
ypes of the different Spanish regions
md the products of the provinces ar
'anged in all allegorical ensemble. In
he angles there are sculptored medal
ons by Michel representing the great
'ivers of Spain. The imagination of /
some recent visitors to this gorgeous
apartment has led to the report that
Princess Ena greatly resembles the
proud matron seated on throne
which forms the chief decoration rep
'esenting the glory of Spain.
Many of the salons are decorated
With rich embroidered cloths, and the
luxurious furniture and ceilings We're
painted by Mangs. Balyen. Velasquez,
Vicente Lopez and Juan Rivera. This
furniture has been the slow growth of
he luxury-loving kings of Spain, and
'epresent an incalcuable outlay. Many
If the salons are veritable museums
Formerly it was not possible to ade
luately admire the beauties of the pail
ice, as its vastness made it rather
lark, but the modern innovation of
electric lights has brought out all its
slories Nowhere are the electric
lights used with more dazzling effect
han in the Sale des Ambassadors,
With its majestic thrones on which AL
onso and his queen will soon be seat
ID together.
Princess Ena is said to take special
interest in the China Hall, so-called
lot because the royal China is kept
here, but because the ceilings and
wallis are covered with porcelaine. the
oinings of which are cleyerly conceal