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56
KEW ORLEANS ILLUSTRATED.
Although of irregular architecture, the exterior of the Cathedral is of majestic appearance, while the interior is at once grand, solemn, rich aud artistic in its construction and adornments.
The altars, three in number, the main altar, the altar of Our Lady of Lourdes, and that of St. Francis, of Assiessium, are master pieces of religious expression in their design, and are, particularly the main altar, enriched and beautified with the gifts of generations, and that chaste taste in arrangement of color and shade, that has ever distinguished the Creoles of this city. The ceiling is frescoed in the highest artistic style. The centre picture represents the Transfiguration, and around it at either side, and at the ends, are the Evangelists, the Holy Family, and scenes illustrative of different passages in the Apocalypse.
Behind and above the main altar, is a grand semi-historical picture of large dimensions and exquisite coloring, which at once rivets the attention of all who pass the massive doors of this church. It is a most artistic and poetic representation of St. Louis counselling the first Crusaders, and presenting them with “ the blessed banner of the cross,” every figure aud face in which is most beautifully defined and expressive, and speaks highly in praise of the young artist, Bumbracht, who executed it.
In front of the shrine of St. Francis, in a vault beneath the marble pavement, the founder of the church lies buried.