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dere*, Venus de Medicisj-,and DyingGladi-ator+. Of the paintings, the famous Trans-figuration—and the Descent from the Crossby Rubens—which was brought from the ca-thedral at Antwerp , merit the first attention;hut to appreciate the value of each speci-men of art contained in this gallery wouldoccupy months. The colonnade of theLouvre is justly celebrated, and Buona parte had in contemplation a grand schemeto join the Louvre to the Thuilleries onthe north side also, thereby completing thismagnificent square. Nearly a third part isalready raised, and many of the enclosedhouses are taken away. The arch built inthis square, opposite to the great gate ofthe Thuilleries, is superb beyond descrip-tion. It was raised by the Emperor tocommemorate his victories. Eight columns°f red Languedoc marble adorn the twoprincipal facades, of which the bases andcapitals are bronze; they each bear a statue,and are again surmounted by a basement,
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