Napoleon’s enlightened policy is also seen in those stupendous works published by the French government, as the Description de l’Egypte, ou Recueil des Observationes et des Recherches pendant l’Expedition de l’Armee Francais, 25 vols. in elephant folio.  This work corresponds in grandeur of its proportions to the edifices and monuments which it describes.  Everything that zeal in the cause of science, combined with the most extensive knowledge, had been able to collect in a land abounding in monuments of every kind, and in the rarest curiosities, is described and illustrated in this work by a committee of savans appointed for the purpose.  It contains more than 900 engravings, and 3000 illustrative sketches.  The Musee Francais, and the Musee Royal, containing 522 plates, after the gems of the world, are not less grand and magnificent, and far more valuable contributions to art.  These will be described in a subsequent page.  Such was Napoleon; deprive him of every other glory, his love of art, and what he did for its promotion, and the adornment of his country, would immortalize his name.

Napoleon delighted to spend some of his leisure moments in contemplating the master pieces of art which he had gathered in the Louvre, and that he might go there when he pleased, without parade, he had a private gallery constructed leading to that edifice from the Tuilleries. (See Spooner’s Dictionary of Painters, Engravers, Sculptors, and Architects, articles West, David, Denon, Canova, etc., and vol i., page 8, of this work.)

NAPOLEON’S WORKS AT PARIS.

“The emperor was, most indisputably, the monarch who contributed in the greatest degree to the embellishment of Paris.  How many establishments originated under his reign! nevertheless, on beholding them, the observer has but a faint idea of all he achieved; since every principal city of the empire witnessed alike the effects of his munificence and grandeur of mind; the streets were widened, roads constructed and canals cut; even the smallest towns experienced improvements, the result of that expanded genius which was daily manifested.  I shall, therefore, content myself by placing before the reader a mere sketch of the works achieved at Paris; for were it requisite to give a catalogue of all the monuments erected during his reign, throughout the French empire, a series of volumes would be required to commemorate those multifarious labors.”—­Ireland.

Palaces.

The Louvre was completely restored, which a succession of French monarchs had not been able to accomplish.  The Palace of the Luxembourg equally embellished throughout, as well in the interior as the exterior, and its gardens replanted.  The Exchange founded.  The Palace of the University reconstructed, as well as the Gallery uniting the Palace of the Tuilleries to that of the Louvre.

Fountains.