Pompeiana; The Topography, Edifices and Ornaments of Pompeii, the Result of Excavations Since 1819 Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1837 edition. Excerpt: ... DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES. PLATE I. FRONTISPIECE. The frontispiece of this work is composed of an union of many architectural and capricious ornaments, found in different parts of Pompeii, collected and exhibited in such a manner as to give an idea of several objects which could not be represented in detail. The winged figures, at the angles of the pediment, are taken from two, in a similar position, in the Pantheon. The frieze in front represents, imperfectly, the combat of the Greeks with the Amazons, painted, with inimitable freedom of hand, in one of the cubiculi of the house of the Tragic Poet. Vol. It. n The internal frieze is ornamented with an equally inadequate copy of the frieze of the natatorium of the thermae. The subject is evidently a chariot race; and nothing can exceed the spirit and freedom of the originals, though now impaired by time and humidity. Under these, on the architrave, is the word Pumpaiinai, Pompeiana, in the Oscan character, written from right to left, like the generality of archaic inscriptions. The name occurs twice in an inscription found in the ruins, and seems appropriate to a work on the city. To the central architrave in front is appended a basket of fruits, about half the size of the original ear-ring which was found in the excavations. The handle was formed of twisted gold wire, and a pearl was suspended from each side. The basket was of filigree, and the fruits were of coral and of pearls of different colours. Some of the fruits had been restored before it was seen by the author, where they had been found corroded. The whole formed one of the most elegant ornaments possible. The fantastic architecture in the background is taken partly from the triclinium of the house of the Tragic Poet, and partly...