"The simple tableau is so rich with meaning that whether represented on the mantelpiece or in the mind, it seems suspended, complete unto itself, somewhere in eternity"

This quote speaks to the power of the simple tableau, which is a representation of a scene or story. The tableau is so filled with meaning that it can be viewed as a classic, self-contained entity, despite whether it is physically present or just in the mind. The quote suggests that the tableau is an effective tool for communicating emotion and ideas, and that it can be used to catch a moment in time and make it eternal. It likewise implies that the tableau has a specific appeal and power that transcends its physical kind, and that it can be used to evoke a sense of wonder and wonder. The quote is a tip of the power of art and storytelling, and how they can be utilized to develop something that is both significant and timeless.