THE STYLE OF LOUIS XVI. 



445 



425. ECOLE MlLITAIRE : FACADE TOWARDS CHAMP-DE-MARS, 



BY J. A. GABRIEL (BEGUN 1752). 



the recently built Hotel-Dieu. His fagade is in some respects closer to 

 that of the Louvre than most of its contemporaries, for it has detached 

 columns and a lofty single piano nobile, with panels over the square- 

 headed windows, and high arched windows in the three projections. It 

 differs, however, in reverting to the system of high independent roofs 

 over each division, the central pavilion being marked by a square dome, 

 raised on an attic and carrying a lantern. The design is one of the 

 most attractive, best proportioned, and least conventional of its type, and 

 it is to be regretted that it was abandoned. 



METZ AND STRASBURG. In 1764 and 1767 respectively schemes 

 for improvements began to be carried out at Metz and Strasburg from 

 the designs of J. F. Blondel, providing new arteries, open spaces, and 

 public buildings. They were, however, but partially put into execution. 

 At Strasburg little but the dignified Place d'Armes was attempted. At 

 Metz the lower storey of the cathedral was recased, and its approaches 

 remodelled so as to form a series of connected " places " round which 

 various important buildings were grouped. The planning is skilful and 

 effective, but the elevations are treated with a baldness for which lack 

 of funds is partly responsible, and have little charm. Amongst pro- 

 vincial public buildings of this period the Hotels de Ville of Chaumont 

 and Chalons-sur-Marne and a wing of the Palais des Etats at Dijon 

 may be mentioned. 



ECOLE MILITAIRE. Before the Place Louis XV. had emerged from 

 the stage of official discussion, Gabriel had already been commissioned 



