Her Majesty the Queen-Regent of Holland has graciously accorded
special permission to the writer of the following article to
visit the Royal Palaces of Amsterdam and The Hague to obtain
photographs for publication in this Magazine: a privilege of
the greatest value, which is now accorded for the first time,
the palaces never before having been photographed.
[Illustration: THE ROYAL PALACE, AMSTERDAM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
"I know a city, whose inhabitants dwell on the tops of trees like
rooks." Thus spake Erasmus; and this literal fact makes Amsterdam a most
curious as well as a most interesting place.
Were I writing of any one of Queen Victoria's Palaces, I should have no
need to speak of its situation: but, travellers though we are, we do not
all see these quaint Dutch cities, so a few introductory words may not
come amiss.
A walk round the city reminds one of Paris with its Boulevards planted
with trees, and Venice with its all-present canals; indeed, it is
actually divided up into nearly one hundred islands, connected by over
three hundred bridges. A curious thing is, that its inhabitants are
really living below the level of the sea, which is stoutly dammed out.
Thus, if necessary, water could be made its protection from
any invasion.
To go back to the commencement, everything, streets, houses, and bridges
are all built upon wooden piles driven into the ground. This is
absolutely necessary, as the natural soil is such that no permanent
structure can be put up otherwise. On how many piles this city stands it
is impossible to form an accurate idea; one building--the Royal Palace
(Het Paleis)--resting on some 13,659. This is situated on the Dam, the
highest point of the city. It is 282ft. long; the height, with tower,
being 187ft. It was built from 1648-1655 for a town hall, and only
became a Royal Palace in 1808, when Napoleon first abode in it. As such,
it has a great drawback, the want of a suitable entrance.
[Illustration: THE HALL OR RECEPTION-ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
I enter now at the rear of the building, which--situated in the Gedempte
Voorburgwal--is the entrance used by their Majesties. In spite of its
civic associations, when once inside there is much of the state and
grandeur inseparable from Royalty, and I soon determine that Holland can
almost equal England for its palatial contents and embellishments. The
staircases and corridors are severe to simplicity, but when I look round
the first apartment I intend inspecting, I am struck with the immensity
and the exceeding beauty of its appearance. This is known as the Hall or
Reception-Room, and is said to be the finest in Europe. Its proportions
are certainly magnificent, 125ft. by 55ft.--a special feature being a
remarkably fine roof, 100ft. in height, with entire absence of columns
or other support. Roof, walls, and the hall entire are lined with white
Italian marble, the floor having an inlaid copper centre representative
of the Firmament. The large flag you see drooping from the roof is
commemorative of the siege of Antwerp, being the one used by General
Chassé on that occasion, the various groups of smaller ones being
reminiscences of the eighty years' Spanish war and of Indian foes. Some
very beautiful examples of the sculptor's art are manifest, the
photographic work here introduced giving some idea of the exquisite
detail and most remarkable execution of Artus Quellin and his able
assistants.
Here you will observe an allegorical group denoting Plenty, Wisdom, and
Strength, typical of the City of Amsterdam. We had a little adventure in
securing views of this hall. At one end is a small gallery, used as the
mainstay for the temporary orchestra, which is erected on festal
occasions. Thinking our work could be better shown from that point, we
proceeded to it by a dark and winding staircase in the rear.
All went well for a time, but during a period of watchful quietude our
artist was suddenly and unexpectedly confronted with a gathering of rats
of anything but peaceable aspect. It was too much for him! He made a
wild rush for the staircase, which, being narrow and treacherous,
resulted in a too rapid descent, a very forcible alighting at the foot,
and a much bruised and shaken body.
For a few minutes we thought our photographic work would be closed for a
season; but when spirits and energies revived, we began to think of the
camera and the very long exposure plate up at the top; so up we went
again with much clattering commotion to warn our enemies of our
approach, and thus you have a view that one of our party will ever
regard as dearly obtained.
Note the extremely delicate crystal chandeliers, for these are quite a
feature in the Dutch Palaces; so graceful and handsome, and so unlike
the generality of heavily-constructed appendages one is accustomed to
behold. The other end of the hall has also some choice sculptured
marble, but unfortunately part of it is hidden by the before-mentioned
gallery. Could you obtain a clear view, you would see a figure of
Justice, with Ignorance and Quarrelsomeness crouched at her feet: on one
side a skeleton, and on the other Punishment. Above all is the figure of
Atlas supporting the globe.
Here I am given a full description of the appearance of this hall when
laid for the State banquet on the occasion of the somewhat recent visit
of the German Emperor. Splendid, indeed, must have been the effect of
the hundreds of lights gleaming upon the pure marble, the rare exotics,
the massive plate, the State dresses, and the rich liveries; and I am
not surprised at the enthusiasm of the narrator as he dilates on the
grandeur displayed.
[Illustration: THE THRONE ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
Passing through the doorway immediately under Atlas, I am at once in the
Throne Room. This is a fine apartment; its ceiling in alternate painted
panels and arms in relief, Marble columns stand out from the rich oaken
walls, rich draperies giving colour to the whole. I hear of a rare old
painting and a fine chimney-piece hidden away behind the throne, but
have no opportunity of seeing, so perforce turn my attention elsewhere.
On either side are some glass fronted cases containing quite a
collection of ragged and venerable regimental colours of unmistakable
Spanish origin. Had I time to linger, I should hear of many fierce
struggles and much gallant conduct ere these trophies were taken; but
all this is of the past, and so I leave them, silent tokens of
national pride.
[Illustration: THE QUEEN OF HOLLAND.
_From a Photo. by W. G. Kuijer, Amsterdam._]
The chandeliers here are of very unique and costly appearance: Royal
Arms and crowns in ormolu, with pendants of curious device in pure
crystal; three hundred and sixty-four lights are here displayed.
While I have been looking round, attentive servitors have been busily
engaged in uncovering the throne and canopy for my inspection, and the
crown which surmounts the chair is fetched from its safe keeping place,
screwed on, and I am at liberty to thoroughly examine the most important
piece of furniture in the kingdom.
It is essentially new looking; and really _is_ so, only having been
fitted up some three years since, on the death of the late King and the
consequent accession of Wilhelmina, the present child-Queen. Virtually
this seat is unoccupied, as five years must elapse ere the coming of age
and coronation of her youthful Majesty. Meanwhile her mother is
Queen-Regent, governing wisely and well, and endearing herself to the
people in every way; but more especially in the care she manifests in
the training of their future ruler to the proper regard of the important
position she will have to fill, and the faithful observance of duties
appertaining to such a position.
[Illustration: THE QUEEN-REGENT.
_From a Photo. by W. G. Kuijer, Amsterdam._]
Accomplishments are imparted as a matter of course, but very much
attention is given to formation of character, and many stories reached
me of the wise method displayed, and the already promising result,
giving much hope for a bright future. As most of my readers are aware,
the Queen Regent and our Duchess of Albany are sisters, and all who know
anything of the sweet-faced widow of our beloved Queen's youngest son
will at once comprehend much of the sister whom she so nearly resembles.
Perhaps you would like a description of the throne. The chair is
beautifully burnished, covered with ruby velvet, and edged with ruby and
gold fringe; the back is surmounted by a crown containing sapphires,
with lions in support; another crown and the letter W being wrought on
the velvet immediately underneath. In front of the chair is a footstool
to match. The canopy is curtained in ruby velvet, with lining of cream
silk--in token of the youth of its future occupant--with fringe, cord,
and tassels of gold. It is surmounted by crowns and ostrich plumes, on
the inner centre being worked the Royal Arms, with the motto "Je
Maintiendrai" standing out in bold relief. On either side the canopy may
be noted the floral wreaths containing the "Zuid Holland" and "Noord
Holland" respectively. The room--as are the major part of them--is
richly carpeted with hand-made "Deventers" of artistic design and
colour blend.
[Illustration: THE QUEEN'S SITTING-ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stewart, Richmond._]
Leaving here, I pass on to a room which is of much importance, namely,
the sitting-room of Her Majesty the Queen. In the lifetime of the late
King it was his habit to pass very much of his time here; thus, this was
really His Majesty's audience chamber. Here he would have his little
daughter of whom he was passionately fond--taking a great delight in
listening to her merry prattle, and her amusing remarks on whatever
attracted her attention. The windows of the room look out on to the Dam,
a large square, which is quite the busiest part of the city. The view
from these windows is a never-ending source of interest to the little
Princess, and here she is wont to station herself, the inhabitants
continually congregating and greeting her with hearty cheering.
The room has an artistic ceiling by Holsteyn, and on the walls are some
paintings rich in detail, and of much historic interest. One of Flinck's
largest works--"Marcus Curius Dentatus"--is at one end: at the other,
one of Ferdinand Bol's--"Fabricius in the Camp of Pyrrhus." Facing the
windows is one by Wappers and Eeckhout: one that irresistibly appeals
to the hearts of all Hollanders. It is called the "Self-Sacrifice of Van
Speyk," and depicts the brave admiral of that name blowing up his vessel
rather than surrender.
Van Speyk was educated in one of the public schools for which Amsterdam
is famous. Quite early in life he entered the navy, where his career was
brilliant and his promotion rapid, but never did he so gain the devoted
admiration of his countrymen as when he had nothing before him but death
or defeat, and chose the former, calling on his men to jump and swim, if
they cared to; if not, to remain and share his fate. Only one jumped:
the others stood by their commander, faced death calmly, and won a
never-dying renown for their heroism.
There is a wonderful chandelier from the ceiling centre, made of copper
and ormolu, burning seventy-two lights, and of such enormous size that
one wonders how many floors it would crash through if it were to give
way; then I learn that it is supported by concealed cross-beams hidden
away under the ceiling. After that information, it is a great deal more
comfortable to walk about under it than hitherto, as the men in
uncovering it had moved it, and it was still swinging backwards and
forwards in anything but a reassuring manner. Some fine marble columns
and a sculptured chimney-piece are worth attention, as are the costly
hangings and carpet. Here I may say that the greater part of the
furniture in this Palace is "First Empire" style, and of the costliest
description.
[Illustration: A CORNER OF THE QUEEN'S SITTING-ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
What will, no doubt, greatly interest you is the accompanying photograph
of small furniture specially made for her youthful Majesty, and used
exclusively by her. The frames are of the finest over-burnish, the plush
upholstery being decorated with the rarest specimens of art needlework.
On one of the little tables you will note a battledore and shuttlecock,
with another thrown upon the floor, as though the player had been
suddenly interrupted in the midst of her play. Very ordinary make and
shape are these toys, such as you may see in any middle-class English
home, and each of them looking like favourites--judging from the signs
of much use they present.
Play-days are not yet over for the Queen, and doubtless she does not
wish to hasten their departure, for children are children all the world
over, whether born in palace or cottage. This particular one is not to
be envied by those of lower station, who have not the responsibility of
position ever looming in front of them--for she is shut away from many
youthful pleasures, and denied the constant companionship of those
suited to her age.
I heard a story that on one occasion, in playing with her dolls, she was
thus heard to speak to a supposed refractory one: "Now, be good and
quiet, because if you don't I will turn you into a Queen, and then you
will not have anyone to play with at all." That is sufficiently pathetic
to speak volumes of what it is to be born in the purple, as was
Wilhelmina of the Netherlands.
[Illustration: PAINTED FRIEZE ON MANTEL-PIECE IN DINING-ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond_.]
The Hall of the Mosé is the next place I visit, used as the small dining
room of the Royal Family. Unfortunately, this is just undergoing
partial restoration, so no proper picture or description can be
obtained. I observe a painted ceiling, some marble columns of the Ionic
order, blue and gold furniture and hangings; and then some costly and
rare paintings, three in number.
Facing the windows is a masterpiece of Jakob de Wit, "Moses Choosing the
Seventy Elders." The figures are life-size, the painting--extending the
entire length of the room--said to be the largest in Europe. There are
marble fireplaces at either end, over one "Solomon's Prayer," by G.
Flinck, and over the other "Jethro Counselling Moses to Appoint
Judges from the People," by Bronkhorst. Quite a feature of this room is
the wonderful deceptive painting by this master over each door, and on a
continuous frieze. All of this is such an exact representation of
sculptured relief, that it is almost necessary to touch it ere one can
be convinced of its really level surface. I was told that this is the
only known example of this truly wonderful work.
[Illustration: THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond_.]
Continuing my way through the aides-de-camps' waiting-room--stopping
merely to note one of Jan Livensz' works--I go on to the Vierschaar.
Here the walls are lined entirely with white marble, and present a fine
sculptured frieze representing Disgrace and Punishment, with reliefs
emblematical of Wisdom and Justice. The one here presented is Wisdom, as
shown in the Judgment of Solomon.
In the large dining-room may also be seen more of the matchless white
marble ornamentation, and I should much like to linger and admire, but
as Her Majesty the Queen-Regent has graciously promised me the _entrée_
of other of her Royal Palaces, I am obliged rather to curtail my work in
Amsterdam.
Just now their Majesties are not at this particular Palace, so I see
nothing of State dinners, receptions, and other functions, but although
I do not see them, I hear very much; and it would seem that when they
_are_ here, the Palace is a sort of open house, and festivity is the
order of the day. To all appearance the etiquette is not quite so rigid
as at _our_ Court, the Sovereign being more accessible to the people.
Persons wishing to pay their respects call at the Palace about five days
previous, write their name in a book kept for the purpose, then they are
admitted on the specified day, provided no good reason exists for their
exclusion. The people are eminently loyal, and speak of the little Queen
in tones of warmest affection, an affection which is also extended to
the Queen-Regent, who has evidently made herself a firm position in
the country.
The Palace at Den Haag is before me now, but first perhaps you would
like to know something of the Palace at the Loo, a place I had the
privilege of seeing; though, as their Majesties were actually in
residence there, photographic work was not possible.
The Loo is near Apeldoorn, and some considerable distance from
Amsterdam. I have only the one day to spare, so am off early in the
morning. Steaming out of the Central Station, I soon find myself
speeding along in such comfortable, well-warmed carriages as would
rejoice the unfortunate winter traveller in this country, who is all but
dependent on his ability to pay for the not very useful foot-warmer.
The country is pretty but flat, dykes instead of hedges, windmills
without number; hundreds of cows in the fields, very fine cattle, but
they _do_ look comical, for the majority of them are wearing coats!
At frequent intervals along the line are road crossings, each with their
little gatehouse, and each kept by a woman, who turns out as we pass,
dressed in her long blue coat with scarlet facings, quaint, tall shiny
hat, and in her hand the signal-flag.
At length I reach Apeldoorn, and there a difficulty presents itself.
That the Palace is some distance away I am aware, but _how_ far I do not
know, or in which direction, and while I am parleying and gesticulating
in a mixture of French, English, and a _few_ words of Dutch, the only
conveyance obtainable takes itself off, and I am left to tramp through
the woods with a jargon of Dutch directions ringing in my ears, and a
very faint idea of longitude or latitude in my mind.
The first part lay through a long, straggling village leading right into
a beautiful forest. Given a fine day, and a certainty of route, it would
have been simply grand; but as it soon poured in torrents, my situation
was anything but enviable--in fact, I was almost in despair, when a huge
cart laden with trunks of trees came slowly from a turning near.
Making the man in charge understand that I wanted the "Paleis," I found
he was bound in the same direction. By this time the rutty roads were
almost ankle deep in mud, so when I was invited to ride, I gladly
scrambled to the top of the pile, and so jogged along; my good-natured
guide trudging at the side, pipe in mouth, regardless of the weather. In
such stately style, then, I at length sighted the Palace, but was
careful to make a descent before getting _too_ near, as THE STRAND
MAGAZINE must make a more dignified appearance at a Royal residence than
a wood-cart and a smock-frocked driver can impart.
Four or five men in State liveries bow profoundly as I enter, one of
whom conducts me to an ante-room, and, after a short interval, through
some long corridors, up some stairs and into the presence of one of Her
Majesty's Gentlemen of the Household. A courteous interview with him,
and I am asked to wait for Her Majesty's Private Secretary, who, out at
present, will see me on his return.
[Illustration: THE ROYAL PALACE AT DEN HAAG.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond_.]
Of course I make the best use of the interval and see all I can of the
Palace. A fine-looking and imposing building it is, standing back in a
large quadrangle, the latter being gay with flowers. The outer rails are
literally on the edge of the wood, and no more secluded spot can be
imagined than this--the favourite residence of their Majesties. His
Majesty the late King also preferred this residence to those more
immediately near or in towns, and it was here he breathed his last.
What I see of the interior is superbly grand, but it is more to the
purpose that I have the honour of seeing their Majesties during the day,
and the opportunity of some observation. The youthful Queen seems a most
pleasing and intelligent-looking child, and is eminently child-like and
unaffected in her manner and movements. Readers may be interested in
knowing that, in addition to masters provided for Her Majesty's
training, she has an English governess, under whose charge she is more
immediately placed.
The Queen-Regent, as I have already said, much resembles her sister; not
so tall, rather stouter, but with much the same gentle and rather sad
expression of countenance. Strange that these two sisters should both
become widows at an early age. One comfort they have, there is no very
great distance between them; and though, of course, the Queen-Regent
cannot leave her country much, there is nothing to prevent the Duchess
of Albany going there; so a suite of apartments is kept for her at
each Palace.
My interview with Her Majesty's Private Secretary is of the most
pleasant, and I cannot but record my grateful appreciation of this
gentleman's kindness and courtesy extended towards me throughout my stay
in Holland; such courteous attention much facilitating my work.
Back again to Amsterdam; and the next day off in quite an opposite
direction to Den Haag, one of the cleanest and most picturesque places I
have ever seen.
[Illustration: STATUE OF WILLIAM II, WITH THE CHURCH.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond_.]
Here the Palace was built by William II. It is in the Grecian style, and
stands on the site of a former hunting-lodge, dating back to the 9th
century. Facing the principal entrance is an equestrian statue of
William II., at the back of which you note the church attended by the
family. The entrance hall and staircase are lined with marble, the
stairs themselves being of the same. Before proceeding up them, however,
we go through to the pretty and well-kept garden and take a view from
the lawn. In the right wing of the building as it faces you, the Queen's
private apartments are situated, the left wing containing the rooms
occupied by the Duchess of Albany when at The Hague.
Now we pass up the grand staircase, where I pause to note the Ionic
columns, the ormolu and porcelain candelabra, a Siberian vase from the
Emperor Nicholas, five immense vases from the Emperor of China, a
painting of William IV., and one of Maria of Stockholm and family.
[Illustration: THE LATE KING'S RECEPTION-ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond_.]
Leaving here, the first room I enter is the King's reception-room. This
is a very bright looking and expensively fitted apartment, furnished in
electric blue and gold, massive gold-framed panels, and a ceiling
decorated in relief with arms and mottoes in gold and white. The
chimney-piece is purest marble, the frescoes showing crowns, arms, etc.
The candelabra are over-burnished brass and Dresden china, some
being Japanese.
[Illustration: THE QUEEN'S BALL-ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
The next room is most interesting, for it is a small ball-room, the
ball-room in fact of Her Majesty the Queen. It has a beautiful inlaid
floor, a white ceiling worked in relief, crimson and gold curtains, and
furniture of the First Empire, some of it upholstered in gold silk, with
a variety of colours intermixed. Here are shown some priceless Sèvres
china, and a present of vases from the Emperor Napoleon. Also I note a
fine marble vase from the King's Palace in Luxemburg. On the wall are
some handsome gold-framed mirrors, and from the ceiling costly
chandeliers with two hundred and twenty lights. The mantel is
exquisitely carved marble, with an ormolu frieze. On one side you will
note a small piano; it is a French one, of very clear and fine tone, and
beautifully finished in every respect. In this room Her Majesty the
Queen may be imagined enjoying the balls given to the youthful
aristocracy, something different to the State dances in the larger room;
and, doubtless, by a long way, much more enjoyable. By the time the
Queen can command the State balls, she will have commenced to feel the
cares of her position; and will look back with real regret to the
assemblies here, when she had merely to enjoy herself, a devoted mother
observing the graver duties, her own greatest trouble, perhaps, being
the acquirement of the tasks assigned by the governess and masters.
[Illustration: THE LARGE DINING-ROOM.
_From a Photo by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
The large dining-room has some fine family portraits on its walls. The
first you will notice is that of William II., on horseback, leading an
attack; the artist (Keirzer) has produced a first-rate work of both man
and horse. Underneath this picture stands the favourite horse of William
II., one which carried him through numerous engagements, and earned from
his Royal master a gratitude and affection that caused him to wish for
his preservation in a position where he would constantly be reminded of
him.
[Illustration: FAVOURITE HORSE OF WILLIAM II.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
The ceiling of this room shows some beautiful relief carving of fruit
and flowers, also some fine fresco work; the chandeliers here are
massive, as is the furniture and other appointments. The room is long
and of not much width, but lofty and well-lighted.
The buffet adjoining the dining-room has some very costly and, at the
same time, some very interesting contents. The Empire furniture is
draped in rich crimson silk, the walls being covered with silk brocade
of the same colour. The chimney-piece of sculptured marble, with an
ormolu frieze, holds some choice antique porcelain vases and a valuable
Roman timepiece. A massive chandelier hangs from the centre of a ceiling
wrought with the arms of the house--this chandelier being solid silver.
It was presented by the inhabitants of Amsterdam, while two silver
lustres at the sides of the fireplace were presented by Rotterdam. Two
exquisite statues stand in front of the windows, one of Venus, the other
Diana, midway between which is an immense porcelain vase on a pedestal.
This you will note in the view given of the room. It has special
interest just now, as it was given by Marshal MacMahon, whose death
recently occurred, and whose funeral--a State military one--I had the
opportunity of witnessing a few weeks ago in Paris.
[Illustration: THE CRYSTAL ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
The windows are of very fine stained glass, the different panes giving
portraits of Kings and Princes, under each being depicted battles they
had fought. Note this rare Florentine mosaic table with pedestal of
ormolu; then we will pass on to the crystal room, an ante-room to the
ball-room. Some immense candelabra of purest crystal at once attracted
my attention; not only were they of the largest I had ever seen, but
they were absolutely unique in composition: the pedestals in support
were ormolu and marble.
[Illustration: SIDEBOARD AND MINIATURES IN SMALL DINING-ROOM.
_From a Photo by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
The appointments here are again in the First Empire style. The view here
shown is looking into the small dining-room, the private dining-room of
their Majesties. In it there is to be seen a costly collection of
miniatures, nearly a hundred and twenty in number, every one of them
from the hand of Dutch masters. They are all beautifully framed in
groups. In the photograph you will observe a finely carved side-board
with some of these miniatures showing on either side. Also in this room
you will find several specimens of engraving on brass and some Russian
productions in malachite.
[Illustration: THE STATE BALL-ROOM.
_From a Photo by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
Now to the State ball-room--a nobly proportioned room, but of somewhat
severe aspect Some good relief carving is shown and a splendid parquetry
floor; also some costly furniture, over-burnished and upholstered in
crimson with floral devices. No doubt it has a very imposing and gay
appearance when lighted up and filled with guests. Nearly seven hundred
lights are displayed, which would naturally cause a most brilliant
effect. Somehow ball-rooms are never satisfactory when viewed in the
day-time, unless you have an eye for proportions only; in that case this
one could not fail to please, as it cannot be less than 90ft. long and
is of magnificent height, added to by a glass concave roof.
[Illustration: THE QUEEN'S RECEPTION-ROOM.
_From a Photo by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
The Queen's reception-room is prettily hung in crimson with designs
depicting art and music; the furniture bright and handsome in crimson
and cream. On either side of the fireplace stand some crimson velvet
screens in burnished frames, the crown and arms worked on the velvet in
characters of gold. In the accompanying view you will observe a large
album on a stand; this was given to the Queen-Regent by the ladies of
Holland. It is of leather, with ormolu mounts, on the covers being
painted panels and flowers worked in silk, these flowers being
surrounded with rubies and pearls; and at either corner is a large
sapphire. The interior shows pages of vellum, with names of subscribers
beautifully inscribed.
This room will, of course, be the one where the young Queen will receive
when she commences to reign.
From here I went to view a suite of apartments, formerly the property of
Queen Sophia, the first Consort of the late King. These rooms are still
in the same condition as when Her Majesty died; they are very fine
rooms, and contain a vast number of curios of every description. They
are lined entirely from floor to ceiling with mahogany; the furniture,
which is massive, antique, and beautifully carved, being also of
mahogany and tulip wood. I find one of Erard's grand pianos standing in
the boudoir, and am told that it was a favourite instrument of the late
Queen. There are some fine specimens of vases: one an "Adam and Eve,"
some of Swiss make, and others of Dresden. Also I note an exquisite
model of a ship, an inlaid Empire mirror, and other treasures too
numerous to particularize.
[Illustration: OVER-MANTEL IN TEA-ROOM.
_From a Photo by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
The tea-room is another that I must make brief mention of. It contains
some valuable souvenirs in the form of vases, some from the Emperor
Napoleon (these are jewelled), some from William IV. of Germany, and
some from the Emperor Frederick. Then there are others from Berlin and
Potsdam, and still others of Sèvres. On the marble mantel is a very
intricate French timepiece, and over it an exquisite silver-framed
mirror. An inlaid mosaic table is a feature here. The worth of it must
be fabulous; the design is marvellously executed. Pope Pius IX. was the
donor. This room is really the tea-room for the Royal ladies when in
residence. Music is again to the fore, and here Steinway is the
favourite, one of his grand pianos occupying the place of honour.
Now I go downstairs for a brief survey of the private apartments of the
late King. I shall not attempt to describe them in detail, but content
myself with mention of one or two things I specially noticed. I started
with the billiard-room, a good-sized room and well fitted; but obscured
by the covers denoting non-usage. One curious article I must note. It is
a clock and musical-box combined, giving out a variety of twenty-seven
tunes. The visible part of it is a pure alabaster representation of the
tomb of our Henry II, supported by lions couchant. Rather a strange
model for a musical-box containing lively airs, is it not?
[Illustration: THE LATE KING'S SITTING-ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
Then I pass on through the King's dining-room, a stately and
richly-appointed apartment. On through the Ministers' room, and so into
His Majesty's private sitting-room. Here I cannot but linger, there are
so many treasures rich and rare, the chief of which consists in the
elaborate cabinets and other furniture, all of tortoiseshell and silver,
quite the best I have seen of its kind. Some of it looks as though
crammed with secret drawers, and I stand before it wondering whether
Queen Wilhelmina will be as anxious to discover and overhaul them as _I_
should be.
I could tell you a deal more of what I saw at this Palace at Den Haag,
but, doubtless, have said enough to show you something of its wealth of
appointments and costly treasures. One cannot help thinking what a sum
all this has cost, and what it must take to keep up so many places; but
the Royal Family of the Netherlands have well-lined coffers, as it is
not only their own country that owns their supremacy, but they have also
many dependencies in the Indies, bringing in enormous revenues.
[Illustration: "T'HUIS IN'T BOSCH," NEAR DEN HAAG.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]
I have mentioned three Palaces; I know of five; but will close with just
a few words respecting a fourth, and a view of the same, which is
charmingly pretty. This Palace is called "T'Huis in't Bosch," and is
just a nice carriage drive from the town of Den Haag. It stands right in
the midst of a beautiful park, with herds of deer and hundreds of
gay-plumaged birds--a park that far and away surpasses even our vaunted
Richmond Park--magnificent timber, dense undergrowth, wild flowers in
profusion, and now and again winding lakes and streams, crossed by
rustic bridges, and such views over hill and dale as would delight
either an artist or an admirer of Nature. The above view of the house
will give a good idea of its outside appearance. I have no time for
interiors, or should be tempted to prolong this indefinitely. We have
had a peep at the Palaces of Holland, and many of us will know more of
the country and its reigning family for the visit.
Holland, with its youthful Queen, has a future we cannot wot of, but we
all hope it is a prosperous and bright one, and we all agree in thanking
Her Majesty the Queen-Regent for the opportunity of gaining this
information, and wish for her daughter all the happiness and wisdom that
she--the Royal mother--could desire for her.
* * * * *
[_The Illustrated Interviews will be continued as usual next month_.]
* * * * *
_Zig-Zags at the Zoo._