Select orations, and other important papers, relative to the Swedish Academy/1
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.
The sceptred Apollo points to a large Temple situated at a distance. In the frieze of this edifice are exhibited those insignia which characterize the different Academies at Stockholm: that of the Sciences; that of the Belles Lettres, History, and Antiquities; that of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture; that of Music; all of which have been embellished by the munificence of Gustavus III.
The front displays a Serpent, the emblem of Eternity; and exhibits the motto of the Swedish Academy: "To Genius and Taste."
In the foreground appear several Groups of Spectators, representing the inhabitants of the North. Some of them behold with admiration the Sanctuary of Science, while others with gratitude direct their attention towards the august Monarch, who is at once the honour and the patron of the Arts. Under their feet they trample beds of Thistles, an emblem of the ignorance of former ages.