Chapter XI: Preface

The object of the following pages is to extract from the valuable collection of Statues and Busts, that will be found adorning the vast area of the Crystal Palace, some of the interest and instruction which such works, if properly addressed, are certain to yield. Man looks at his own image with a more feeling curiosity than he regards the architectural remains of a city, however ancient, or of any structure, however beautiful. The broad brow of the poet whose works we have read, or the martial air of the soldier whose deeds we have heard, excite an instant desire for more intimate acquaintance with the men; and such acquaintance can never be formed without lasting advantage to all who are susceptible of instruction.

The limits of the present small volume have prevented my doing more than record, as briefly as I might, the salient points in the characters of the various personages whose statues and busts constitute the Portrait Gallery of the Crystal Palace; but I trust sufficient has been done to throw a little light upon the various features which the visitor will contemplate on his pleasant journey, and to indicate, however indistinctly, the universal path which, in life itself, leads to all true greatness. A portrait gallery exhibits the men who have worked their way to eminence. Biography teaches how they travelled the difficult and thorny road.

The collection of Statues and Busts in the Crystal Palace is necessarily imperfect; but it begins with a goodly array. It is the intention of the Directors to extend and, as far as the nature of the subject allows, complete it; and there can be no doubt that we have already the elements of one of the finest portrait galleries in Europe.

I desire in this place to express my thanks to my friend M. Regnier, the eminent French comedian, to whose kindness I am indebted for much information in connexion with the French busts. I am also anxious to acknowledge the services of my assistant, Mr. Shenton, who, under severe pressure, has rendered me great help in the collecting and verifying of our interesting materials.

SAMUEL PHILLIPS.

CRYSTAL PALACE,
_June, 1854_.

CONTENTS.

ANTIQUE PORTRAITS.

GREEK COURT.
PAGE
SOUTH SIDE COURT--
GREEK POETS AND DRAMATISTS 13

NORTH SIDE COURT--
GREEK PHILOSOPHERS, STATESMEN, AND GENERALS 19

ROMAN COURT.
ROMAN EMPERORS 29

AVENUE IN FRONT OF ROMAN COURT 41

COURT OF THE ROMAN LADIES 43

COURT OF ROMAN GENERALS AND POETS 46

THE ITALIAN PORTRAITS--
INTRODUCTION 54
ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS 56
POETS AND DRAMATISTS 69
SOLDIERS AND STATESMEN 76
PRELATES AND THEOLOGIANS 78
KINGS AND QUEENS 79

THE FRENCH PORTRAITS--
INTRODUCTION 80
ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS 83
POETS AND DRAMATISTS 91
SCIENTIFIC MEN AND WRITERS 98
SOLDIERS AND STATESMEN 109
PRELATES AND THEOLOGIANS 121
KINGS AND QUEENS 124

THE GERMAN PORTRAITS--
INTRODUCTION 134
ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS 136
POETS AND DRAMATISTS 145
SCIENTIFIC MEN AND WRITERS 149
SOLDIERS AND STATESMEN 157
PRELATES AND THEOLOGIANS 162
KINGS AND QUEENS 163

THE ENGLISH PORTRAITS--
INTRODUCTION 168
ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS 169
POETS AND DRAMATISTS 179
SCIENTIFIC MEN AND WRITERS 188
SOLDIERS AND STATESMEN 202
PRELATES AND THEOLOGIANS 218
KINGS AND QUEENS 220