3-008-948 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Soirée given...by the Burgomaster and Common Council of Brussels, at the Hotel de Ville, to the members of the Social Science Congress - from a sketch by Mr. Hendrikx, 1862. 'The scene...[in] the Salle Gothique at the moment of the entrance of the Duke and Duchess of Brabant and the Count of Flanders, and their reception by the Burgomaster. The Duke is the most prominent figure in the picture; her Royal and Imperial Highness is leaning upon his arm; the Count of Flandres is following, conducting one of the Court ladies. The two Princes were dressed in the uniform of a General. The Duchess of Brabant wore a rich ruby-coloured silk robe, surmounted by a mantle of Brussels lace; and upon her brow a wreath of roses sparkling with diamonds and pearls...The Gothic hall and the other saloons of the building were beautifully and tastefully ornamented on the occasion with flags, flowers, pictures, and rich candelabra...In the centre...was erected a fountain of rare beauty and artistic form. It was encircled at its base by a girdle of gaslight, and supported a bronze triton, from which flowed into a huge shell a stream of water. The reflection of the light upon the water, mirroring the various trees and flowers arranged around, was most enchanting'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.