N° 457. (Gallery.) _The head of a woman with ear-rings, and dressed in a fur-cloak._
466. _Tobias and his family kneeling before the angel Raphael, who disappears from his sight, after having made himself known._
469. _The Presentation of Jesus in the temple._
The pictures, exhibited in the _Saloon_ of the _Louvre_, have infinitely the advantage of those in the _Great Gallery_; the former apartment being lighted from the top; while in the latter, the light is admitted through large windows, placed on both sides, those on the one side facing the compartments between those on the other; so that, in this respect, the master-pieces in the _Gallery_ are viewed under very unfavourable circumstances.
The _Gallery_ of the _Louvre_ is still capable of containing more pictures, one eighth part of it (that next to the _Tuileries_), being under repair for the purpose.[1] It has long been a question with the French republican government, whether the palace of the _Tuileries_ should not be connected to the _Louvre_, by a gallery parallel to that which borders the Seine. Six years ago, I understand, the subject was agitated, and dropped again, on consideration of the state of the country in general, and particularly the finances. It is now revived; and I was told the other day, that a plan of construction had absolutely been adopted. This, no doubt, is more easy than to find the sums of money necessary for carrying on so expensive an undertaking.
If the fact were true, it is of a nature to produce a great sensation in modern art, since it is affirmed that the object of this work is to give a vast display to every article appropriated to general instruction; for, according to report, it is intended that these united buildings, should, in addition to the National Library, contain the collections of statues, pictures, &c. &c. still remaining at the disposal of the government. I would not undertake to vouch for the precise nature of the object proposed; but it cannot be denied that, in this project, there is a boldness well calculated to flatter the ambition of the Chief Consul.
However, I think it more probable that nothing, in this respect, will be positively determined in the present state of affairs. The expedition to St. Domingo will cost an immense sum, not to speak of the restoration of the French navy, which must occasion great and immediate calls for money. Whence I conclude that the erection of the new Gallery, like that of the National Column, will be much talked of, but remain among other projects in embryo, and the discussion be adjourned _sine die_.