THE BASIN OF THE MIDDLE ELBE. 



297 



presence raises the general tone of society. The appearance of the town proves 

 that fine artistic tastes guided its founders. Three fine stone bridges span 

 the river, on the left bank of which rise the principal public buildings, not all of 

 them, it is true, irreproachable on the score of taste, but none of them mean or 

 vulgar. From the high terrace above the large square the city presents a noble 

 spectacle. 



Dresden abounds in museums, the State alone possessing thirteen, every one 

 of which teems with treasures of art. The gallery of paintings is the richest of 

 Germany, and one of the most famous in the world. It contains masterpieces of 



Fig. 169. — Dresden 



every school — Correggios, Kaffaels, Rembrandts, Murillos, and Holbeins. The 

 same building contains a cabinet of prints, an anthropological museum, and 

 other collections. The Japanese Palace, a fine edifice on the right bank of the 

 river, includes a museum of antiquities, a collection of coins, and a library of 

 500,000 volumes. The Johanneum affords space for collections of armour and 

 porcelain. Even the Royal Palace is partly set apart for a museum. Its " green 

 vaults" abound in jewels and costly curiosities. Another palace contains the 

 models of Pietschel, the sculptor. The very town is a huge museum, abounding 

 in fine edifices and well-executed statues, and every year adds to its treasures. 

 93 



