DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.61894#0167
Ch. IV.
THROUGH ITALY.
137
consists of a group of four gigantic figures, re-
presenting the four principal Doctors of the
Greek and Latin Churches, supporting the pa-
triarchal chair of St. Peter. The chair is a lofty
throne elevated to the height of seventy feet
from the pavement; a circular window tinged
with yellow throws from above a mild splendor
around it, so that the whole not unfitly represents
the pre-eminence of the apostolic See, and is
acknowledged to form a most becoming and
majestic termination to the first of Christian
temples.
When I have added that every part and every
ornament is kept in the most perfect repair ; that
the most exact neatness and cleanliness is ob-
servable on all sides ; that the windows are so
managed as to throw over the whole a light,
clear and distinct, yet soft and gentle, I shall
leave the reader to imagine what an impression
the contemplation of an edifice so glorious must
make on the mind of a youthful or enthusiastic
traveller.
Under the high altar of St. Peter’s is the tomb
of that apostle, formerly called the Confession of
St. Peter, an appellation which it has communi-
cated to the altar and its canopy. The descent
to it is before, that is to the west of the altar
THROUGH ITALY.
137
consists of a group of four gigantic figures, re-
presenting the four principal Doctors of the
Greek and Latin Churches, supporting the pa-
triarchal chair of St. Peter. The chair is a lofty
throne elevated to the height of seventy feet
from the pavement; a circular window tinged
with yellow throws from above a mild splendor
around it, so that the whole not unfitly represents
the pre-eminence of the apostolic See, and is
acknowledged to form a most becoming and
majestic termination to the first of Christian
temples.
When I have added that every part and every
ornament is kept in the most perfect repair ; that
the most exact neatness and cleanliness is ob-
servable on all sides ; that the windows are so
managed as to throw over the whole a light,
clear and distinct, yet soft and gentle, I shall
leave the reader to imagine what an impression
the contemplation of an edifice so glorious must
make on the mind of a youthful or enthusiastic
traveller.
Under the high altar of St. Peter’s is the tomb
of that apostle, formerly called the Confession of
St. Peter, an appellation which it has communi-
cated to the altar and its canopy. The descent
to it is before, that is to the west of the altar