The Artist's Repository, Or, Encyclopedia of the Fine Arts (Band 2): Perspective, Architecture (London, 1808)

82

[lect. ii.

PLATE XXXIX.

front elevation of the

TEMPLE of FORTUNA VIRILIS,
AT ROME:

also,

side elevation of the same temple.

PLATE XL.

plan of 'the same temple.

V

THIS is given as an instance, not only of the
general and customary construction, and distri-
bution, of Heathen temples, but also, of a square
temple, exhibited on a larger scale than any yet
introduced.

We are to conceive of temples in ancient times
as standing in a considerable area, wherein was
the altar: there was also, usually, an ascent to
the edifice by a flight of steps, (A) which
led to the portico (B); after which was the en-
trance, and the first apartment of the temple,
properly speaking, (C) $ beyond which was the
second apartment (D): wherein was the statue, or
symbol of the divinitv. This apartment was ac-
cessible only to the priests, it being considered as
the most sacred adytum—chamber, of the whole
structure.

PLATE