THE DIORAMA.
There was a private view today of the new picture to be opened on Monday,—or rather, we should say, pictures, for each scene presents two different phases, and is in itself a diorama : and while groping along in. the dark of the mysterious moving chamber wherein these marvels are exhibited, we could not but regret that so long a time had elapsed since the last wonder of delusive art attracted us thither. The new view is an exterior of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris ; showing the east end or apsis of the venerable Gothic pile. It is first shown under an effect of sunset ; the last rays of departing day gilding the roof and buttresses of the old church, and lighting up the Palais de Justice in the distance: the stillness of the scene is not disturbed by two market- people asleep on the quay, the sentinel a little way old; and two or three distant figures. Before you have done admiring the lovely atmospheric effect, and the elaborate truth of the imitation, evening gathers ; the yellow sunlight fades; the clouds darken; twilight veils the scene ; and the moon appears as if emerging from a cloud; its silver light bringing out the rich architecture of the cathedral from the mass of deep shadow, and sparkling on the ripples of the river; while the street-lamps, the illuminated windows of the Hotel de Ville, and the solitary taper in the market-tent, relieve the sombre prospect. The transformation is magical, and the effect of moonlight as true to nature as that of sunset. One or two points will probably be improved against the opening-day : we therefore refrain from critical exception.
The other view is the interior of the Basilica of St. Paul, at Rome; its superb perspective of marble columns and pictured walls changing to it; roofless and ruined state, after the fire that almost destroyed this magnificent specimen of the early Christian churches in Italy. This picture is painted by M. BOUTON ; the new one by M. RENOUX.
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