164
DOMESTIC MANNEßS OF THE PRUSSIANS.
render a fine work of art almost ludicrous in effect, has never-theless sufficient lieauties about it, at least to tickle, if not tosatisfy, the taste. This is the tomb of the Marechal de Saxe(the masterpiece of the sculptor Pigalle), in the ProtestantChurch of St. Thomas.
The monument consists of a white marble figure of theMarechal in armour, the size of life, and with his bäton in hishand. He is in the act of descending some steps that lead toa large half-open tomb below, the white stone drapery fromwhich Längs partly over the green marble sides of the sarco-phagus; but a bending female form at his side detains him,while she leans forward and strives to drive away the veiledfigure of Death—who Stands, with the hour-glass run downin his bony hand, at the head of the tomb, waiting to receivethe soldier. At the other end of the tomb the figure of Her-cules is seen, resting on his club; and beside the female is aCupid, or Hymen, weeping, with his torch turned down, anda group of nuttering banners at his back; while on the otherside of the Marechal are ranged various wounded animals, astypes of the countries he has conquered, and with a sheaf ofbroken Standards at their feet cast to the ground.
The monument is a work of striking genius, but markedby glaring faults. The figure of the Marechal is füll of finecalm dignity and gentle action, while the face is stamped withthe marks of death, mingled with a noble expression of heroicresignation. The figure of Death, again, is exquisitely rendered,the drapery being made to conceal all the physical ghastlinessof the skeleton, the bony hand and foot only being visible —as hints of the character. The half-open tomb, moreover, isbeautifully suggestive; and the attitude of the hero, as aboutto descend the steps, displaying as it does a half-eagerness toenter it, is a masterly method of portraying the courage ofthe soldier. Further, the design is artistically pyrarnidical,