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| ALTAR, CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, DUBLIN.- The superb altar of the Cathedral of St. Mary, or the Conception, generally called the pro-Cathedral, situated in Marlborough street, is depicted in this sketch. It stands somewhat distant from the wall of the edifice, is construced of dazzling white marble,and is the production of the great Italian artist, Turnerelli, by som said to have been a Dublin man who took up his residence in Italy and, for the sake of euphony, had "elli" attached to his original patronymic. This story, however, is open to considerable doubt. The grand alter is situated in the apse at the western end of the cathedral. It is enclosed by a handsome circular railing. Excellent statues of Archbishop Murray and Cardinal Cullen, by Farrell, further beautify the vicinity of the alter. Several interesting monuments are to be seen in the side aisles, and there are sub-altars in the ambulatory of the edifice. The cathedral dates from 1816-25, and was built on the site of Annesley House. Strangely enough, the design of an amateur and, until then, unkown artist, residing in Paris, was accepted by the projectors of the structure, who, in their appeal to the people for funds, said: "There will soon be presented to the traveller's eye a specimen of architectural elegance that will illustrate the artistic taste of the Irish people." And they were right. |
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