THE PISANI PALACE AND MALCONTENTA VILLA, VENICE. 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 bv 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 
359. — THE PISANI PALACE AT STRA : THE ST.ABLE BUILDINC.S. 
