THE CYCLORAMA.
This is the name given to a novel and strikinglrbeintiful exhibition at the Colosseum, representing in 'continuous succession of views, with a combination of pictorial and stagueffects, the great earthquake at Lisbon. As an effort of scenic illusion it"inrpasses anything before attempted of this kind, in boldness of design 'and the artistic skill and mechanics; inge- nuity with which it is executed, The "exhibition takes place in a darkened theatre, as at the Diorama; and the panorama, with its varied scenes and effects,ansses across the stage like the moving diorama" of a theatrical spectacles, The procession of views opens with the Castle of Belem; above which tleessun rises upon a gray morning. The approach to Lisbon, and the banks of the Tagus, are beautiful examples of' landscape and architectural painting: the effect of grandeur in the hills and of projection in the buildings are admirably represented. When the grand square of Lisbon is reached, the scene is darkened; rumbling and rushing sounds are heard, followed by the tolling of bells and the crash of falling buildings,—conveying as good an idea of the horrors of an earthquake (the tremulous shock excepted) as mechanical means may produce. The scene now changes to the sea, which is surging extraultuously, and vessels are tossing about in all directions: altogether a very effective representation in miniature of a storm at sea. A picture of the city after the earthquake closes the series of views. The views are painted by Mr. Denson: the mechanical appliances and scenic effects are contrived by Mr. W. Bradwell, the Prospero of this mimic tempest. The theatre in which the exhibition takes place has been constructed for the purpose, and is decorated in a costly and sumptuous manner. The proscenium with its double range of columns imitative of Sienna marble, with tripod lamps and couchant lions, painted walls and ceiling, is in clas- sic taste; and the boxes are gorgeously adorned with gilded sculpture and hangings of crimson silk velvet. The refreshment-room adjoining is also tastefully ornamented, in sylvan style. The entire exhibition is highly attractive. 51L -ova- 504
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