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We introduce upon this page an illustration of thetruly magnificent Buffet, exhibited by Messrs.Bulkley & IIerter, of New-York. The designs forthe decorations were made by Mr. Herter, and wereexecuted by Mr. E. Plassman; and the constructionwas carried on under the joint direction of these gen-tlemen. The material employed is American oak,which, in color and every other artistic requirement,is seen in this work to be admirably suited for ornamen-tal furniture.

This excellent production deserves something morethan a passing glance of curiosity or admiration. It isone of the most noticeable objects that challenge the at-tention of the visitor to the Exhibition, and one which

will repay a careful study as much as any other amongthe thousand articles of luxury there displayed. In itsown class we regard it, on the whole, as the best speci-men of the art it exemplifies. The carving has beenexecuted with masterly skill, with the boldness whichthe material requires, and with a due regard to thelimitations which it imposes. The artist has wisely, wethink, refrained from minute finish and prettinesses ofdetail, such as are proper in other materials, and givetheir value to bijoux. The design produces its goodeffect by its general harmony and consistency. Everypart fits with every other, and is adapted thoroughly tothe uses for which a highly ornamental sideboard is de-signed. The ornaments are not only excellent and meri-168

torious in themselves, but they have a characteristicsignificance in their application, They consist of repre-sentations of game and fruits, which are disposed withjudicious taste, and are relieved with decorations cut ingeometric forms. The good effect of these is seen in thepanelling behind the centre-piece, satisfying the naturalexpectation of the spectator, but not withdrawing hisattention by a distracting variety of accessories fromthe artist’s masterpiece. This central group representingthe Death of the Stag, is designed and carved with greatvigor and truthfulness. The production of the moreimportant ornamental portions of the buffet, upon anenlarged scale, renders a detailed description of themunnecessary.