3-028-420 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Funeral of Mr. Peabody in America: the City Hall, Portland, Maine, 1870. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. J. W. Black. 'Mr. Peabody's mortal remains...[had been] sent from Great Britain...the walls and roof [of the City Hall] were dressed in black, and no natural light was suffered to enter the room...Upon the dais were twelve large wax candles in silver holders. Garlands and wreaths of natural flowers were on the dais, steps, and bier...The skill of the artist had been most conspicuous in adorning the wall behind the catafalque. This was shrouded in black broadcloth, fluted. In the centre, by means of gas-jets, a most beautiful star of light had been formed, with the monogram in the centre composed of the letters "G. P." Turning to the left of this star, the eye rested on the familiar coat of arms of England, wrought in silver leaf, to which was appended the motto, "Nisi utile est quod facimus, stulta est gloria." To the right was wrought in similar style the American coat of arms, with the motto, "Pulchrum est benefacere Reipublicae." All the subordinate details were equally appropriate. What was of more value, perhaps, than the zeal and taste thus displayed in decoration was the composed reverent air of all who entered the room'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.