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

POJUPEIASTA. 17S

M. Zahn, an artist of merit, who copied
this painting of Leda only a few days after
its discovery, states that the drapery of that
princess was green lined with blue, and that
the robe of Tyndareus was black lined with
green. Behind Leda was an attendant in a
green garment; the habit of the person with
the bow was yellow, and that of the last figure
on the right hand green. It is difficult to
reconcile this account with its appearance
about a month afterwards, when the robe of
Leda was red, and that of Tyndareus purple,
and both have remained so from that period
to the present hour.

The landscape is much faded in the back
ground. The red usually changes to black,
and the wall, with the picture of Leda, had,
in the course of a year's exposure, assumed
a darker hue in consequence.

The wall itself is given in Plate XXXVII.,
and, if possible, as much of its gaudy and
glaring colouring will be preserved as will
suffice to afford a just idea of the decorations
of the apartment. The taste may seem ex-
travagant in a small drawing, but is less so
when seen on a larger scale.