all the mosques in the Ottoman Empire, this is the principal one.
It is not as richly decorated as St. Sophia, but it is the only
one that possesses six minarets. It is located on a square called
the Hippodrome, named after the spot that was in former years used
for circus purposes. The exterior view gives it a magnificent
appearance. The place is one of the chief objects of interest in
the city. The crumbling monument in the foreground is a relic of
antiquity.]
[Illustration: TURKISH LADY, CONSTANTINOPLE, TURKEY.]
[Illustration: STREET MERCHANTS, CONSTANTINOPLE, TURKEY.]
[Illustration: SULTAN'S HAREM, CONSTANTINOPLE, TURKEY.--This photograph
represents an odalisque, one of the beautiful inmates of the harem
of the Sultan of Turkey. The photographer who took this picture
found her most courteous and obliging, and able to converse fluently
in English, French and German. Abdul Mezed, who ruled Turkey during
the Crimean War, had 1200 wives and odalisques in his harem. When
a Turkish Sultan wishes to show especial honor to a subject, he
makes him a present of one of the cast-off wives. To refuse the
gift would be to invite death. The harem is continually recruited
by the gifts of those who wish to carry favor with the Sultan,
and these comprise slaves of every nationality.]
[Illustration: ACROPOLIS, ATHENS.--The natural centre of all the
settlements in the Attic plain within the historical period was
the Acropolis, a rocky plateau of crystalline limestone, rising
precipitously to a height of two hundred feet. The semi-mythical
Pelasgi, of whom but a few isolated traces have been found in Attica,
are said to have leveled the top, increased the natural steepness
of the rock on three sides, and fortified the only accessible part
by nine gates. It was the earliest seat of the Athenian kings,
who here sat in judgment and assembled their councils, as well as
of the chief sanctuaries of the State.]
[Illustration: PARTHENON, ATHENS, GREECE.--This structure is the
most perfect monument of ancient art, and even in ruins presents
an imposing and soul-stirring appearance, occupying the culminating
point of the Acropolis. It was erected by Pericles and opened for
public worship in 433 B.C. The crowning glory of the Parthenon
was its magnificent sculpture, ascribed to Phidias, registering
the highest level ever attained in plastic art. The Parthenon was
used as a Christian Church in the fifth century. In 1460 it became
the Turkish Mosque, and in 1670 the stately edifice was blown into
ruins.]
[Illustration: GRAND CATHEDRAL AND SQUARE, MILAN, ITALY.--This
is the focus of the commercial and public life of the city, and
is now enclosed by imposing edifices on every side. The celebrated
Cathedral, the eighth wonder of the world, is next to St. Peter's
in Rome, the largest church in Europe. It covers an area of fourteen
thousand square yards, and holds about forty thousand people. The
building is in cruciform shape, with double aisles and transept.
The interior is supported by fifty-two pillars, each twelve feet
in diameter. The floor consists of mosaic, in marble of different
colors.]
[Illustration: CORSO VENEZIA, MILAN, ITALY.--The principal shopping
street of the city, and the favorite promenade of the Milanese is
here represented. The buildings have a modern aspect, with little
balconies at almost every window, which are often adorned with
plants, flowers and creeping vines. The street, which is well paved,
is wide, extending almost from house to house. The pavements are
very narrow, consisting of only four smooth slabs of stone, laid
side by side. The shop-windows are decorated in the most tempting
style with the wares of the various merchants. The picture was
secured in the early morning, giving the street a deserted look,
which at all other times is crowded with people.]
[Illustration: EXPOSITION BUILDINGS, TURIN, ITALY.--The city of
Turin was the capital of the county of Piedmont in the Middle Ages,
and in 1418 it became subject to the Dukes of Savoy, who frequently
resided here. From 1859 to 1865 it was the capital of Italy, and
the residence of the King. It lies on an extensive plain on the
banks of the River Po. Turin was the chief centre of those national
struggles which led to a unification of Italy. The removal of the
seat of government to Florence seriously impaired the prosperity
of the city for a time, but it long since recovered, and celebrated
its commercial success in 1884 by the exhibition.]
[Illustration: DUKE FERDINAND OF GENOA, TURIN, ITALY.--In the centre
of the piazza Solferino stands the equestrian statue of Duke Ferdinand
of Genoa, commanding-general at the battle of Novara. The statue was
executed by Balzico, and is remarkable for the life-like expression
of the wounded horse, with extended nostrils and gasping breath,
sinking under the burden of his gallant rider. This piazza is one
of the prettiest spots of Turin. Private residences face it on
every side, with sloping lawns relieved by beds of flowers.]
[Illustration: GENOA, ITALY.--Genoa, with a population of about
200,000, is located in the northern portion of the Peninsula, and
is the principal seaport of Italy. The city is in the form of a
crescent, and its gradual ascent from the shore, renders its appearance
beautiful and attractive. It is enclosed by a double line of
fortifications, which places it among the leading fortified cities
in Europe. A beautiful light-house on the west side, 300 feet in
height, stands like a sentinel on the edge of the bay. In the older
portions of the city, the streets are only ten feet wide and are
lined with high buildings on both sides.]
[Illustration: STATUE OF COLUMBUS, GENOA, ITALY.--In the front
of the principal railway station, rises the statue of Columbus,
who was born at Genoa in 1435. The statue is in the centre of the
spacious Piazza Acquaverde, embosomed in palm-trees. The pedestal
is adorned with ships' prows. At the feet of the statue, which
leans on an anchor, kneels the figure of America. The surrounding
allegorical figures represent Religion, Science, Geography, Strength
and Wisdom. Between these, are reliefs from the history of Columbus,
with the inscription, "A Christoforo Colombo la Patria."]
[Illustration: LEANING TOWER, PISA, ITALY.--Pisa is principally
noted for its famous "Leaning Tower," begun in 1174, and built of
white marble; it is 178 feet high, and fronted with 207 columns.
It is 50 feet in diameter, and leans 13 feet from the perpendicular.
The foundation being made insufficiently solid, it began to incline
before it was one-third completed. The Cathedral on the right was
begun in 1604, and consecrated in 1618 by Pope Gelasius; it contains
the famous chandelier which Galileo saw swinging, and which led to
his invention of the pendulum of the clock. The Baptistry, close
by, is noted for its marvelous echo.]
[Illustration: PALACE OF THE DOGES, VENICE, ITALY.--This magnificent
edifice, founded in 800, and destroyed five times, has as often been
re-erected in grander style. The palace is flanked with colonnades,
forming two pointed arcades on the south and west. The upper portion
of the building is constructed of red and white marble. The interior
presents a noble specimen of Venetian art. Many famous masters
are here represented, the subjects either portraying the glory of
Venice, or being of a religious order. The Bridge of Sighs connects
the palace with the prison adjoining, which contains a series of
gloomy dungeons, a torture chamber and a place of execution for
political criminals.]
[Illustration: GRAND CANAL, VENICE, ITALY.--This canal, the main
artery of the traffic of Venice, nearly two miles in length, and
thirty-three to sixty-six yards in width, intersects the city from
north-west to south-east, dividing it into two unequal parts.
Steam-launches, hundreds of gondolas and other vessels are seen
gliding in every direction. Handsome houses and magnificent palaces
rise on the banks, for this is the street of the _Nobili_, the ancient
aristocracy of Venice. A barge, with a military band, navigates
the canal every Sunday evening. A trip on the canal is extremely
interesting; the posts are painted with the heraldic colors of
their proprietors.]
[Illustration: CATHEDRAL OF ST. MARK, VENICE, ITALY.--Facing the
piazza of St. Mark, which is in the heart of Venice and the grand
focus of attraction, rises the magnificent Cathedral of St. Mark,
decorated with almost oriental splendor. The building dates back
to the tenth and eleventh centuries, and portions of the materials
used in its construction have been brought from almost every country
in Europe. The ceiling of the interior is richly adorned with mosaics
in the form of various noted paintings. Behind the High Altar repose
the remains of St. Mark, while further back stand four spiral columns
said to have belonged to the Temple of Solomon. The building to
the right is the Ducal Palace.]
[Illustration: VENICE, ITALY.--The capital of the Province of Venice,
is situated on the lagoons, a long breast of lowlands in the Adriatic.
For a time it was the first maritime and commercial power of the
world, and one of the finest cities in Europe, but now it is nothing
but a vast museum. The eighty islands on which Venice is built,
are divided by wide and narrow canals, while small foot-paths wind
throughout the city, occasionally crossing a canal, as is seen
by the bridge in the above picture. Venice is popularly known as
the "Queen of the Adriatic."]
[Illustration: THE RIALTO, VENICE, ITALY.--This famous bridge,
one hundred and fifty-eight feet long and forty-six feet wide,
rests on twelve hundred posts. It was erected from 1588 to 1591.
Its sides are lined with little shops, extending from a fish-market
at one end, past jewelry-shops in the centre of the structure, down
to a fruit-market at the other side. It always presents a busy
appearance, and is considered a marvel of engineering skill, and
one of the finest bridges in the world. The picture represents the
annual parade on the Grand Canal, with the Rialto in the background,
which is always the rallying centre on such occasions.]
[Illustration: THE CATHEDRAL, FLORENCE, ITALY.--This stately edifice,
erected from 1294 to 1462, on the site of the earlier church of
St. Reparata, is a striking example of Italian architecture. The
church was finally consecrated in 1436, but the lantern on the
top of the dome was not completed until 1462. The building is one
hundred and eighty-five and one-half yards long, and one hundred
and fourteen yards wide; the dome is three hundred feet high. The
bell-tower, a square structure adjoining the cathedral, two hundred
and ninety-two feet in height, is regarded as one of the finest
existing works of its kind. It consists of four stories of richly
decorated and colored marbles.]
[Illustration: VECCHIO BRIDGE, FLORENCE, ITALY.--Florence is situated
on both banks of the Arno, but by far the greatest part of the city
lies on the right bank. The bridge in the picture dates back to
the fourteenth century, and is flanked on both sides with shops
which have belonged to gold-smiths ever since their erection. It
forms one of the principal bridgeways between the city proper and
that portion of Florence which stands on the south bank of the
Arno, and has always been considered one of the greatest sights
of the town.]
[Illustration: MONK, ITALY.--Monasticism primarily meant the state
of dwelling alone; and then, by an easy and natural transition, it
came to denote a life of poverty, celibacy and divine obedience
under fixed rules of discipline. The radical idea of the term, in
all its varieties of age, creed and country, is the same, namely,
retirement from society in search of some ideal life, which society
cannot supply, but which is thought attainable by self-denial and
withdrawal from the world. The picture represents an Italian monk
in funeral attire.]
[Illustration: LOGGIA DEI LANZI, FLORENCE, ITALY.--This magnificent
open-vaulted hall is one of the kind with which it was usual to
provide both public and private patrons of Florence, in order that
the inmate might enjoy the open air or participate in public
demonstrations, without being obliged to descend to the street.
The style of architecture shows a falling off from the Gothic,
while the works of sculpture, representing Faith, Hope and Charity,
Temperance and Fortitude, exhibit an incipient leaning toward
Renaissance forms. Every afternoon the Loggia is crowded with the
poorer people of Florence, who seek a cool spot in the open air.]
[Illustration: UFFIZI BUILDINGS, FLORENCE, ITALY.--This gallery
originated with the Medici collections and was afterwards so improved
with the numerous additions by the Lorraine Family, that it is
now one of the best in the world, both for value and extent. The
Portico of the Uffizi Gallery, seen on both sides of the open court,
contains niches, which are adorned with marble statues of celebrated
Tuscans. At the farthest end of the court, rises the Vecchio Palace,
a castle-like building, with huge projecting battlements, being
originally the seat of the Signora, and subsequently used as a
casino.]
[Illustration: RAPE OF POLYXENA (BY FEDI), LOGGIA DEI LANZI, FLORENCE,
ITALY.--Polyxena, according to Greek legend, was the daughter of
Priam, King of Troy. Having by her grace and beauty captivated
Achilles, the Grecian hero, she was betrothed to him. But Achilles
was slain by Paris, son of Priam; and after his death and the
destruction of Troy, his manes appeared to the returning Greeks,
and demanded of them the sacrifice of Polyxena. The Greeks consented,
and Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles, sacrificed her on his father's
grave. This work of art is of modern execution. It was placed in
the Loggia in 1866.]
[Illustration: WILD BOAR, UFFIZI GALLERY, FLORENCE, ITALY.]
[Illustration: THE GRINDER, UFFIZI GALLERY, FLORENCE, ITALY.--This
magnificent statue was found in Rome in the sixteenth century.
It has never been exactly ascertained what it represents, but it
is supposed to be a Scythian whetting his knife to flay Marsyas.]
[Illustration: APPIAN WAY and TOMB OF CÆCILIA METELLA, ITALY.--This
military road, paved with stone blocks, and extending from Brindisi
to Rome, was constructed by Appius Claudius Cæcus, 312 B.C. Even
at the present time its proud ancient title is that of the "Queen
of Roads," and it is remembered as being the way on which St. Paul
came to Rome. The tomb of Cæcilia Metella, which forms an interesting
and conspicuous object, is a circular structure sixty-five feet in
diameter, erected in honor of the daughter of Metellus Creticus,
wife of the younger Crassus, son of the triumvir.]
[Illustration: PYRAMID OF CESTIUS AND ST. PAUL GATE, ROME, ITALY.--The
pyramid enclosed by Aurelian within the city and wall is the tomb of
Caius Cestius, who died in the year 12 B. C. The Egyptian pyramidical
form was not unfrequently adopted by the Romans in their tombs.
That of Cestius is built of brick and covered with marble blocks.
Immediately to the right of the pyramid is the gate of St. Paul,
leading on to the church of St. Paul beyond. Midway between the
gate and church, legend says, St. Peter and St. Paul took leave
of each other on their last journey.]
[Illustration: ROMAN FORUM, ROME, ITALY.--After the Sabine tribes
were amalgamated into a single state, they chose the Forum as its
centre; and it was there that some of the most noted events in the
history of the Roman Empire transpired. After the Samnite War, which
resulted in the extension of Rome's supremacy over all Italy, the
Forum became too small for its multifarious business; and therefore
underwent many changes. After its destruction, during the Dark Ages,
its remains were gradually buried beneath the rubbish and debris
of some former centuries, but have recently been excavated.]
[Illustration: FORUM OF TRAJAN, ROME, ITALY.--This forum, which
adjoined that of Augustus, contained a collection of magnificent
edifices, and is said to have been designed by Apollodorus of Damascus.
Trajan's forum must have measured two hundred and twenty yards in
width, and was probably of still greater length; it was considered
the most magnificent in Rome. On the north side of the Basilica
rises Trajan's Column, one hundred and forty-seven feet high,
constructed entirely of marble. Around the column runs a spiral
band, covered with admirable reliefs from Trajan's War with the
Dacians. Beneath this monument Trajan was interred; on the summit
stood his statue, now replaced by St Peter's.]
[Illustration: BATHS OF CARACALLA, ROME, ITALY.--These ancient baths
were begun in 212 by Caracalla, and completed by Alex. Severus, and
they could accommodate 1600 bathers at one time. The magnificence
of these baths was unparalleled; numerous statues, including the
Farnese Bull, Hercules and Flora at Naples, have been found here; and
the uncovered walls still bear testimony to the technical perfection
of the structure. The establishment was quadrangular in form, and
surrounded by a wall.]
[Illustration: COLOSSEUM, ROME, ITALY.--The Colosseum, originally
called the Amphitheatrum Flavium and completed by Titus in 80 A.D.,
was the largest theatre and one of the most imposing structures in
the world. It was inaugurated by 100 days' gladiatorial combats, in
which 5000 wild animals were killed. It contained seats for 87,000
spectators. Only one-third of the gigantic structure now remains,
yet the ruins are still stupendously impressive. The Colosseum has
ever been a symbol of the greatness of Rome, and gave rise in the
eighth century to a prophetic saying of the pilgrims: "While stands
the Colosseum, Rome shall stand; when falls the Colosseum, Rome shall
fall; and when Rome falls, with it shall fall the world!"]
[Illustration: INTERIOR OF COLOSSEUM, ROME, ITALY.--The arches
of the first tier are marked by Roman numbers, as they formed so
many entrances, through which, by means of internal stairways, the
upper balconies were reached. The Arena had two openings enclosed
by railings of bronze, through which the gladiators and wild beasts
entered. Above was the Podium, a place intended for the Emperors
and their families, for the magistrates, the senators, the priests
and the vestals. Thousands of Christians in this place suffered
martyrdom, by becoming the prey of wild beasts. The picture presents
the imposing spectacle of the interior of this monument at the
present day.]
[Illustration: PANTHEON, ROME, ITALY.--This is the only ancient
edifice at Rome which is still in perfect preservation, as regards
the walls and vaulting. The original statues and architectural
decorations have long since been replaced by modern and inferior
works, but the huge circular structure with its vast colonnade
still presents a strikingly imposing appearance. The walls are
twenty feet in thickness and were originally covered with marble
and stucco. The height and diameter of the dome are each one hundred
and forty feet. The opening of the dome at the top is thirty feet
in diameter, and through this aperture the ancients supposed the
gods to descend. The building is supposed to have been constructed
in the first century B. C.]
[Illustration: BRIDGE OF ST. ANGELO AND TOMB OF HADRIAN, ROME,
ITALY.--This bridge is of most ancient construction. It was built
by Hadrian in 136 A. D., to connect his tomb with the city. Ten
colossal angels, formerly much admired, and executed in 1688, testify
to the low ebb of plastic art at that period. The tomb was built
by Emperor Hadrian for himself and his successors. The massive
circular tower stands on a square basement on the banks of the
Tiber. The bronze statue of St. Michael, the Archangel, which is
seen on the summit, gives the tower its present name, Castello
S. Angelo.]
[Illustration: ST. PETER'S AND VATICAN, ROME, ITALY.--St. Peter's
is fronted by an elliptical piazza, enclosed by imposing colonnades,
and is the largest and most beautiful Catholic Cathedral in the
world; it was founded by Constantine and erected where St. Peter
is said to have suffered martyrdom. Its erection and improvements
cost over $50,000,000. The great Obelisk in the centre of the piazza,
having no hieroglyphics, was brought from Heliopolis. The Vatican
on the right is the Pope's residence, and is elegantly fitted up,
being adorned with paintings and statues by the world's greatest
masters.]
[Illustration: INTERIOR OF ST. PETER'S, ROME, ITALY.--This most
marvellous church in the world was built on the place where stood
the temple of Jupiter Vaticanus. The first church here is said to
have been built A. D., 90. It was a memorial chapel to St. Peter,
and was, according to tradition, erected on the spot where the
saint was buried. Constantine built a Basilica on the site. The
present structure, the glory of Michael Angelo, was begun about
1503. The picture shows the high altar with the statue of St. Peter
to the very right.]
[Illustration: ROMULUS AND REMUS SUCKING THE WOLF, CAPITOL MUSEUM,
ROME, ITALY.--Thus wrote Virgil ("AEN." VIII-630):
"By the wolf were laid the martial twins,
Intrepid on her swelling dugs they hung;
The foster dam lolled out her fawning tongue;
She sucked secure; while bending back her head,
She licked their tender limbs, and formed them as they fed."]
[Illustration: TRANSFIGURATION (BY RAPHAEL), VATICAN GALLERY, ROME,
ITALY.--The last great work and masterpiece of this celebrated
artist, unfinished at his death and completed by Clement VIII., was
preserved in St. Peter's until 1797. The upper part is by Raphael's
own hand; Christ hovers between Moses and Elias; Peter, James and
John are prostrate on the ground, and dazzled by the light. The
figures to the left, in an attitude of adoration, are St. Lawrence
and St. Stephen. The lower half, where the other disciples are
requested to heal the possessed boy, was partly executed by Raphael's
pupils.]
[Illustration: LA BALLERINA (BY CANOVA), ROME, ITALY.--Here is
another of the masterpieces of this famous master-sculptor. It
is hewn out of a solid block of marble, and comes under the head
of "grace and elegance," one of the divisions of Canova's works.
This subject is a most striking one. Like all his other subjects
of grace, it is in all its details, an expression of attitude,
delicacy of finish and elegance. The profile is charming, the twist
of the hair natural, and the lines and curves of the arms perfect,
while the drapery is next to real.]
[Illustration: LAOCOONTE, VATICAN GALLERY, ROME, ITALY.--This famous
group represents Laocoon and his two sons, who were strangled by
serpents at the command of Apollo. According to Pliny, it was executed
by three Rhodians, and placed in the Palace of Titus. It was discovered
under Julius II., in 1506, near Sette Sale, and was termed by Michael
Angelo a "marvel of art." The work is admirably preserved, with the
exception of the three uplifted arms, which have been incorrectly
restored. The dramatic suspense of the moment, and the profoundly
expressive attitude of the heads, denote the perfection of the
Rhodian school of art.]
[Illustration: TOLEDO STREET, NAPLES, ITALY.--This famous city is
beautifully situated on the Bay of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius in
the distance. Its charming position has given rise to the phrase
"See Naples and die." It was founded by the Greeks, and here Virgil
spent his time in study, his tomb being one of the points of interest
for travelers. The city is still surrounded by a wall. It has often
suffered from earthquakes and eruptions. The manufactures are numerous,
of which macaroni and vermicelli are of first importance. The photograph
represents Toledo Street, which intersects the city from south to
north, and with its immense amount of well-conducted business,
presents a very interesting sight.]