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

pompeiaua; 65

cupies the central division on the eastern
side of the edifice. Plate XVIII. repre-
sents this part of the building. It is ap-
proached by a flight of steps, constructed in
what may be termed the pronaos, and which
may be best understood by reference to the
plan.

It is not impossible that this pronaos
may have been entered under a wide arch,
rising from the antae, which return suf-
ficiently in front to admit of two Corinthian
pilasters and a painted panel between them
on each side, and were by these rendered
capable of supporting the weight.

On the south wall of this pronaos is
painted a sedent figure which some have
taken for the emperor. It seems, however,
a female with a sort of Bacchic thyrsus in
one hand, and a dish of fruits in the other,
neither of which attributes appears appli-
cable either to the emperor or the Genius
of Rome. Another figure may be Mars, or
a hero with a shield.

It is to be supposed that the statue of
Augustus once stood on the pedestal at the
extremity opposite the entrance, as one hand

VOL. I. N