Restoration Of Churches In Rome.

tecture of the time , as are perhaps all the other buildings in this interesting representation . The absence of the nimbus to all the heads introduced in the sacred group , except the Saviour's , might confirm the conjecture hazarded by some Avriters who ascribe this mosaic to a date so earlv as the

fourth century ; since it is certain that till the latter years of that , or beginning of the next century , such a symbol of sanctity did not obtain its place in Christian art . Above the Saviour's figure rises a lofty cz'oss , studded with precious stones ; higher , as if hovering ] in the airare the four winged

, emblems of the Evangelists , one of Avhich has been entirely , and another almost entirely sacrificed , Avith incredible Vandalism , to some heavy modern detail in the frameAvork overarching the whole . It is certain that restorers have had much to do with this mosaic as now

presented to us ; the character of the Saviours head has a severe solemnity ; those of the apostles ( Avho have no symbols ) are nobly venerable ; aud the whole composition reminds us of the style distinguishing classic reliefs . Leaving the church , we observe ( in a court on one side ) the masonry

of a primative period , —perhaps that of the second century of our era , recognisable in a lateral wall of Roman brickwork , like that of the best ancient period , pierced by high arched Avindows ( IIOAV built up ) , and supported by several constructive arches ; elseAvere the additions of the

fourth century , indicated in the square stone blocks set at intervals into the brickAVork , a method practised under Constantine . Near one angle of these Avails , Ave may enter through a gap rudely broken open , to descend into the subterraneansnoAv in total darknessand in a great

, , part filled up AA'ith soil , over different levels of which we must pursue an uneasy path ; first , through a long interior under a stucco-covered vault , probably the nave of the primitive church ; thence into some vaulted chambers Avith Avails and roof alike stuccoed , in some parts painted in plain

red bands that folloAV the lines of arcliAvays ; elseAvhere adorned in more decorative style Avith architectural subjects , reminding us of the

Poinpeian . In one chamber is a fireplace Avith aperture filled by a wall , over Avhich is a similar coating of stucco ; and in another place Ave see a pavement in black and Avhite mosaic , Avithout any design , laid bare to but slight extent hy the removal of

the encumbering soil . It seems probable that these latter interiors belong to the baths , contiguous to Avhich , but not so as to necessitate the sacrifice of their buildings , Avas formed that church within the senator ' s mansion . And these interiors , long left to oblivionAve knoAV Avere once profaued

, for evil purposes ; as it is on record IIOAV , in the time of Raffaelle , they Avere ordered to be filled up with soil , as recently found , because become a haunt of brigands . Mr . Parker , Avho Avell explained the conditions and Avent over the story of this

Restoration Of Churches In Rome.

church at a meeting of the English Archasologic Society , has applied for permission to have the whole of its subterraneans cleared out at his OAvn expense , but , Ave are sorry to say , Avithout success hitherto ; and we see , in the destinies of this interesting edifice ( the supposed primitive

cathedral of the Papal metropolis ) , a striking example of the negligence , amidst much costly and ostentatious church restoration , to be charged against Rome ' s authorities in respect to the less conspicuous , however venerable , monuments of Christian antiquity . The Minister of Public Works has issued a

report , addressed to the Pope , on the exports from these States for the Dublin Exhibition , this document containing full catalogue of objects sent , in Avhose columns appear—100 sculptures ( statues , busts , reliefs ); 41 pictures on canvass ; 182 engravings from the Camareel Galcografia ; 10

coloured plates from the chromo-lithographic establishment in Rome ; 25 medals struck under different pontiffs since the reign of Pius VII . ; a large number of cameos on shells and pietra dura ; objects in Avrought marble , ivory , and wood ; photographs , machinery ; and , among natural

history classifications , 110 specimens of the mineralogy of these piwinces . Cardinal Antonelli exhibits a precious cameo , by Lanzi , of St . George on Horseback ; Cardinal Altiera , a geologic map of the mountains of Tolfa , executed by Pouzi , professor of geology at the Roman University . The ministers flatter themselves that the hall in the Dublin buildings appropriated to the produce of these States AA'ill deserve the name

of " Pearl of the Exhibition . " All the objects Avere embarked at Civita Vecchia , at the expense and risk of the Irish deputation , in the steamer sent by the directors at their OAVU cost ; aud the nomination of Lord Talbot de Malahide as Pontific Commissary for the Exhibition has proved

generally acceptable . We need not further enter into a report the subject-matter of Avhich noAV pertains to the sphere of British , rather than Roman , intelligence . A set of antique Christian glasses , adorned Avith sacred representations , figures of apostles , symbols ,

& c , iu gold enamel , has been purchased here for the English Government , through the agency of a gentleman authorized first to offer 160 Z ., finally 220 / 1 ., for the Avhole , consisting of thirteen specimens , some in a fragmentary state . They found their way to Rome from Sicily , after the dispersion

of the Recupero Museum ; and are , Ave believe , the only such collection extant , except one of greater value in the Vatican Library .

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EVEHT man cherishes in his own heart some object—some shrine at which his adoration is paid , unknown to his fellowmortals—unknow to all save his God . PitouD men never have friends ; neither in prosperity , because they know nobody , nor in adversity , because nobody knows them .