Gell, William: Pompeiana: the topography, edifices and ornaments of Pompeii ; the result of excavations since 1819 ; in two volumes (Band 1) (London, 1832)

POMPEIASTA. OO

much to. the embellishment of his native
country on his return, and who kindly per-
mitted the Author to copy and publish his
picture.

The picture of Theseus regaining the
sword of his father iEgseus, by the advice
of his mother iEthra, who showed him the
rock under which the weapon lay concealed,
has been selected for Plate XVI., and that
of Ulysses as a mendicant questioned by
Penelope is given in Plate XV. That of a
Muse, probably Thalia from the mask in
her lap, also from the panels of this portico,
has been chosen for Plate XVII.

All subjects mentioned by poets or hi-
storians have a value as conveying to our
senses the conception which the ancients
themselves had formed of circumstances,
with which they were more intimately con-
nected than ourselves. The work of Millin,
aided by the treasures of Pompeii and Her-
culaneum, may probably, in time, enable us
to produce editions of the classics illustrated
by ancient art. It may be necessary to add,
that none of these pictures have that strong
effect of light and shadow which is the cha-