Here all was carved and gilded
in a manner exquisite beyond words--chimney, doors, ceiling, window
embrasures, mirror frames. Musical instruments were employed as
sculpture _motifs_, for in this room the princess liked to sit and play
her violoncello. In the dining-room, the decorative designs were
delicately carved rosettes, arabesques, garlands of fruits and flowers,
crowns and medallions.
The supreme ruler of Louis XV's affections--the amazing Madame
Dubarry--was lodged "in a suite of delectable boudoirs" facing the
Marble Court, above the private apartments of the King. Everywhere
appeared the initial _L_ linked with the torches of Love. One of the
objects most admired in the drawing-room was an English piano-forte,
with a case adorned with rosewood medallions, blue and white mosaics
and gilded metal. In this room there were chests of drawers of antique
lacquer and ebony, statues of marble, and garnishings of sculptured
bronze. At night all was ablaze with the lights of the great luster of
rock-crystal that hung from the center of the ceiling, and had cost, it
was said, a sum equaling three thousand American dollars. In varying
form, but with equal richness, all the apartments of Dubarry were
beautified at the King's behest.
In January, 1747, the "theater of the little apartments" of the King
was inaugurated by a representation of "_Tartuffe_" with Madame de
Pompadour in the cast.
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