Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-28
Most Magnificent Entrance.

of the doors and windows, which are of
marble.
Most Magnificent Entrance.
The entrance to the royal palace. which is
conceded to be one of the most magnificent
III the world, has been further enriched for
the present occasion. 1t is gorgeously car
peted and ornamented. Illuminated day and
night by myriads of electric lights concealed
within the rich, gold cornices, with haIber-
diers, in their brilliant uniforms. acting as
guards. At the first landing. serving as
pillars to the balustrade there are two enor-
NOUS lions of stone, the work of the Sculp-
tors Castro and Michel. 1t is well known
that Napoleon had jealous regard for these
lions on the day that he admired the palace,
remarkng to his brother that they Were
better housed than he himself in Paris
The high, vaulted ceiling contains notable
paintings by the eapoltan artist, Carclo
Giaquinto, heir of the great decorator, Lucas
Tordon. The largest and most important
fresco, which occupies the center. is an allie
CORY for the Triumph of Religion, Pre-
Cicted by SPAIN
The Sale des 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 diff
ferent marbles, which form designs in the
Italian style. The walls are hung with
crimson velvet and gilt ornaments, the
brightness of which mas been toned down
by time. The enormous mirrors, which
came from the royal factory of La Granja,
are surrounded by heavy gold frames OF the
time of Charles ", while intervening
statues of bronze and marble represent he
roes. pagan gods and allegorical figures.
Some of the notable adornments of this re-
markable apartment are The Fawn,' by
Praxiteles; Venus and Mercury after
the conception of Jean de Bologna; "Jupi-
ter on the Eagle" and at each side of the
throne statues of Prudence and Justice,
represented as the counselors of kings.
Royal Throne Guarded by Gilt Lions.
The royal throne is under a superb red
canopy, situated above the steps richly
carpeted in the same color. At either side
stand four gilt lions, represented as con-
trolling the world. The ceiling forms
brilliant contrast, being clear and luminous
1t was executed by the famous Venetian
painter Tiepolo and is said TO be one of
the most finished decorative works in the
world.
The idea developed In this vast compo-
sition is The Glory OF the Spanish Mon
archy," represented by a proud matron
ated on throne and attended by allie
gorical deities, contemplating a sky peo-
pied by numerous figures. among them
Mercury. the symbol of material prosperity.
In the corners appear picturesque groups
of types OF the different Spanish regions
and the products of the provinces arranged
in an categorical ensemble. In the angles
there are sculptured meGallions by Michel
representing the great rivers 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 a throne which
forms the chief decoration representing the
glory of Spain.
Many of the salons are decorated with
rich embroidered cloths and the luxuri-
Gus furniture and ceiling were painted by
Mangs, Balyen, Velasquez, Vincento Lo-
PEE and Juan Rivera This furniture has
been the slow growth Of the luxury-lov-
ing kings of Spain and represents an in
calculable outlay.