THE r/SAM PALACE AND MALCONTENTA I'll. LA, VKMCE. 347 



358. THE PISANI PALACE AT STRA : FACADE TOWARDS THE BRENTA. 



The centre of the Palace is practically an immense 

 portico, or atrium, as the ballroom, placed between 

 two open architectural courts, is supported on columns, 

 leaving the ground floor free. Passing through this 

 fine piece of display another palace presents itself 

 to the visitor, at the bottom of a great grass court 

 lined out with tree avenues (Fig. 359). It is rather 

 a shock to discover that this is the stable, and, on 

 a near approach, the scenic character of its architec- 

 ture is apparent. As a mere design it is a better 

 piece of work than the Palace itself. It is well 

 displayed by reflections in a modern canal-like water- 

 basin in front. As stables the buildings are a 

 thought too gorgeous. Their interiors are, how- 

 ever, rather charming, with red marble columns 

 carrying prancing bronze horses on their capitals a 

 noble finish to the stall divisions. The walls are 

 elaborately panelled in wood of a dark brown colour, 

 and with the varied-coloured horses in their places the 



MALCONTENTA FROM THE BRENTA. 



QDDD 



r * 



359. THE PISANI PALACE AT STRA : THE STABLE BUILDINGS. 



