Gell, William: Pompeiana: the topography, edifices and ornaments of Pompeii ; the result of excavations since 1819 ; in two volumes (Band 2) (London, 1832)

THE PLATES. Ill

The fantastic marine animals above and
below this picture are taken from panels
generally black, and forming the lowest
ornaments of many of the apartments at
Pompeii.

PLATE XLIII.

ARIADNE.

Ariadne is seen, in Plate XLIII., just
awaking after the fatal sleep during which
Theseus had deserted her. The ship of her
ungrateful paramour is seen in the distance.
The subject was much admired by the an-
cients, and the figure of Ariadne is full of
grace. The sea is represented of a deep-
blue colour which contrasts well with the
figures, and the sky almost mixes with the
horizon. The right hand of Ariadne is here
in the favourite position of the painter. Her
hair is, as usual, auburn, and her robe is rose-
colour very prettily shaded. Xenophon, in
the Banquet of Socrates, insinuates that Bac-
chus and Ariadne were favourite subjects