3-008-880 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: portions of the Austrian and Belgian Courts as seen from the Western Dome, 1862. '...the Austrian Court...is very advantageously situated for catching the eye of the visitor who comes down the nave from the eastern entrance. At the point where the north-western transept springs from the dome the Austrian Court extends a considerable way to the left of the transept, as the Belgian Court extends in the same direction to the right. On ascending the steps leading to the western dome an excellent view is obtained both of the galleries and the lower floor of the court, which come out with much brilliancy and effect. The view which we give...is taken from beneath the western dome looking down the north transept, and in the distance is the fine painted window which terminates the transept. In the foreground to the left is to be seen Leopold Kissling's group of statuary, Mars, Venus, and Cupid. In the centre is Lobmeyer [sic] of Vienna's crimson velvet screen, which forms a background to his grand display of chandeliers; and a little to the left is to be observed Neffen's stand of Bohemian glass. The picture includes also a considerable portion of the Belgian Court'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.