After the battle of Austerlitz, where the Austrian power was so nearly
destroyed, the French conqueror sent a _fasceau_ of ensigns to the
tribunes, to be presented to the Senate which had seconded by its
decrees the organization of the army.
It was in the hall where the sittings were held before the marble
statues of all the great men of ancient days that the tribunes, bearing
the Austrian eagles came in a body to offer them to the first
dignitaries in France. The tribunes entered, clothed in their rich
costumes, which contrasted well with the color of the warlike trophies
they bore.
On the left of the picture, the President is seated to receive the
deputation, surrounded by his secretaries. The Duke of Dantzic appears
by his gesture to direct the proceedings. On the same side we observe
the Chancellor of the Legion of Honor, and two other senators. On the
right some other members of the Senate seem to congratulate one another
on participating in such an honorable event. These are portraits. The
sumptuous vestments and the hats ornamented with plumes, which the
artist has introduced with much ingenuity, contribute to render the
foreground of the picture effective.
[Illustration: PRESENTATION OF AUSTRIAN ENSIGNS TO THE FRENCH SENATE.]