The Strand Magazine: Vol. 07, Issue 37, January, 1894.: An Illustrated Monthly — John Shaqi
The Strand Magazine: Vol. 07, Issue 37, January, 1894.: An Illustrated MonthlyVarious
General
The Strand Magazine: Vol. 07, Issue 37, January, 1894.: An Illustrated Monthly
Various
English literature -- Periodicals; Short stories, English -- Periodicals
Note the extremely delicate crystal chandeliers, for these are quite a
feature in the Dutch Palaces; so graceful and handsome, and so unlike
the generality of heavily-constructed appendages one is accustomed to
behold. The other end of the hall has also some choice sculptured
marble, but unfortunately part of it is hidden by the before-mentioned
gallery. Could you obtain a clear view, you would see a figure of
Justice, with Ignorance and Quarrelsomeness crouched at her feet: on one
side a skeleton, and on the other Punishment. Above all is the figure of
Atlas supporting the globe.
Here I am given a full description of the appearance of this hall when
laid for the State banquet on the occasion of the somewhat recent visit
of the German Emperor. Splendid, indeed, must have been the effect of
the hundreds of lights gleaming upon the pure marble, the rare exotics,
the massive plate, the State dresses, and the rich liveries; and I am
not surprised at the enthusiasm of the narrator as he dilates on the
grandeur displayed.
[Illustration: THE THRONE ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
Passing through the doorway immediately under Atlas, I am at once in the
Throne Room. This is a fine apartment; its ceiling in alternate painted
panels and arms in relief, Marble columns stand out from the rich oaken
walls, rich draperies giving colour to the whole. I hear of a rare old
painting and a fine chimney-piece hidden away behind the throne, but
have no opportunity of seeing, so perforce turn my attention elsewhere.
On either side are some glass fronted cases containing quite a
collection of ragged and venerable regimental colours of unmistakable
Spanish origin. Had I time to linger, I should hear of many fierce
struggles and much gallant conduct ere these trophies were taken; but
all this is of the past, and so I leave them, silent tokens of
national pride.
[Illustration: THE QUEEN OF HOLLAND.
_From a Photo. by W. G. Kuijer, Amsterdam._]
The chandeliers here are of very unique and costly appearance: Royal
Arms and crowns in ormolu, with pendants of curious device in pure
crystal; three hundred and sixty-four lights are here displayed.
While I have been looking round, attentive servitors have been busily
engaged in uncovering the throne and canopy for my inspection, and the
crown which surmounts the chair is fetched from its safe keeping place,
screwed on, and I am at liberty to thoroughly examine the most important
piece of furniture in the kingdom.
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