| This medal commemorates the erection of the triumphal arch in the place
de Carousel, at Paris: it is modelled after the antique arch of Septimius
Severus. It consists of three arches, crossed by a transverse arch; its
altitude is about 45 feet, breadth 60 feet, and its thickness 28½ feet;
the area of the centre arch is near 14 feet, that of the others about 8½
feet; the whole is formed of hard Italian sand-stone of a very fine grain.
Eight columns of the red marble of Languedoc embellish the two principal
fronts, and support a projecting entablature; the frieze is composed of
Italian griote, upon which are placed as many statues as represent
the costume of the infantry and cavalry, which compose the French army;
these columns are of the Corinthian order, and have their bases and capitals
of bronze; the concaves over the lateral portals are decorated with thunderbolts,
branches of laurel and palms, and also with various bas reliefs representing
the principal events of the reign of Napoleon, all of excellent workmanship;
the four celebrated horses of Lysippus, brought from Venice, are attached
to the car, which surmounts the whole. |
| The same orator, as mentioned in the preceding medal, says: "This
triumphal arch will be ever beheld with emotions of love. Here every heart
with praise him, who was the author of so much good; let us render our homage,
by wishing that his talents as a warrior may become useless; he will always
find within himself our springs of greatness; his renown as a conqueror,
will be but the weakest part of his glory." |
