DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4324#0018
xiv INTRODUCTION.
It has been objected to the use of lamps, the inefficiency of the light in dis-
criminating the ornaments of the interior; but this objection would be equally
valid if applied to the temples and tombs of Egypt, where internal decoration
has been carried to a great extent; the paintings of most brilliant colouring,
with which the walls and columns are entirely covered, could only have been
seen by the introduction of artificial light.
We have a further proof of the prevalence of this custom, in the existence
of an office in perfect conformity with its observance. The care of the lamps
devolved upon a minister of the temple, who also exercised functions which
might be thought of higher pretensions. Chandler found the following in-
scription in the Choragic monument of Thrasyllus, which is now converted
into a Greek church, and dedicated to the Panagia Spiliotissa, or, Our Lady
of the Grotto.
. . . XONIA KAI TO AETX1MA T
nEP TAZ KirKAIAA£ KAI THN
AOPOAEITHN TH 0EIX EK
TIXN IAIX1N ANE0HKEN E
niSKETASAEA KAI AYTHN
THN 0EON KAI TA IIEPI AYTHN
OTEA KAI AYXNAFITPIA AT
THE KAI ONEIPOKPITII . . . k. t. x*
From the foregoing authorities it is evident that the custom of lighting the
interior of temples by artificial means, was of ancient origin, and of general ob-
servance. The notices of this custom by early writers are certainly of rare
occurrence; but on the other hand, there are none of a contrary tendency, ex-
cepting the one of Vitruvius, previously cited, which is applicable only to de-
castyle temples constructed with double peristyles.
* Chandler. Inscrip. Pars 2. 55. xxix.
It has been objected to the use of lamps, the inefficiency of the light in dis-
criminating the ornaments of the interior; but this objection would be equally
valid if applied to the temples and tombs of Egypt, where internal decoration
has been carried to a great extent; the paintings of most brilliant colouring,
with which the walls and columns are entirely covered, could only have been
seen by the introduction of artificial light.
We have a further proof of the prevalence of this custom, in the existence
of an office in perfect conformity with its observance. The care of the lamps
devolved upon a minister of the temple, who also exercised functions which
might be thought of higher pretensions. Chandler found the following in-
scription in the Choragic monument of Thrasyllus, which is now converted
into a Greek church, and dedicated to the Panagia Spiliotissa, or, Our Lady
of the Grotto.
. . . XONIA KAI TO AETX1MA T
nEP TAZ KirKAIAA£ KAI THN
AOPOAEITHN TH 0EIX EK
TIXN IAIX1N ANE0HKEN E
niSKETASAEA KAI AYTHN
THN 0EON KAI TA IIEPI AYTHN
OTEA KAI AYXNAFITPIA AT
THE KAI ONEIPOKPITII . . . k. t. x*
From the foregoing authorities it is evident that the custom of lighting the
interior of temples by artificial means, was of ancient origin, and of general ob-
servance. The notices of this custom by early writers are certainly of rare
occurrence; but on the other hand, there are none of a contrary tendency, ex-
cepting the one of Vitruvius, previously cited, which is applicable only to de-
castyle temples constructed with double peristyles.
* Chandler. Inscrip. Pars 2. 55. xxix.