Page:Selected Orations Swedish Academy 1792.djvu/5

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EXPLANATION of the FRONTISPIECE.

THE lustre of the Fine Arts, which successively illuminates the different parts of the world, is represented by that Vivid Radiance, with which in northern climates, the evening sky, just at the setting of the Sun, is beautifully decorated.

A lofty range of Rude Mountains covered with Ice and Snow, allude to the State of Sweden, before the introduction of the Arts and Sciences. On the Summit of one of these Mountains Apollo reclines. His Lyre, suspended from his shoulders, rests upon the Rock. The place confesses the presence of the God, and the Ice and Snow are seen to melt away. This Deity, in the act of taking off his Mask, discovers the respected Countenance of Gustavus III.

Reviving as at the return of spring after a severe winter, the Shrubs appear in a state of vegetation; and display the effect of that genial warmth, which is derived from the influence of the God of day.


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