DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.16632#0126
98
History of Garden Art
in is in the middle of it. The illusion is helped by the arrangement of the room: round it
runs a wooden fence, broken here and there, then a broad green path, and on the other
side a second fence, more ornate and complicated, showing three patterns, which are
separated at fixed intervals. There is a semicircle with high trees; among the trunks we
have acanthus, and in some cases ivy winding round. Close to the fence there runs to
right and left, as a border to the path, a belt of flowers with very pretty white blossoms,
and at equal distances between them a small cactus or an ivy-plant tied up. Above the
outer fencing there is visible a medley of trees in the garden beyond; and yet again one
FIG. 63. FRIGIDARIUM OF THE STABIAN BATHS, POMPEII
can recognise the trees and shrubs, all planted in regular order—oranges with flower and
fruit, and in between them splendid colours in a fine flower-bed appear over the barrier.
Farther back there are cypresses, palms, and other shady trees. In the branches
a number of many-coloured birds are flitting about, enjoying the flowers, and their
freedom also, for only one of them is shut up; his golden cage is standing on the balustrade.
Another room with much the same intention as this of Livia's, and just as attractive,
is the little Frigidarium of the Stabian Baths at Pompeii (Fig. 63). It is a circular room,
letting in the light overhead: the blue sky above mixes its own colour with the roof, which
has stars painted on a blue ground. The walls and the four semicircular alcoves that
are meant to enlarge the room, are also covered with a garden fresco, of trees over a red
border. There are many fountains, where doves are seen quenching their thirst; while
others are fluttering about among the trees, which are planted at regular distances (Fig. 64).
History of Garden Art
in is in the middle of it. The illusion is helped by the arrangement of the room: round it
runs a wooden fence, broken here and there, then a broad green path, and on the other
side a second fence, more ornate and complicated, showing three patterns, which are
separated at fixed intervals. There is a semicircle with high trees; among the trunks we
have acanthus, and in some cases ivy winding round. Close to the fence there runs to
right and left, as a border to the path, a belt of flowers with very pretty white blossoms,
and at equal distances between them a small cactus or an ivy-plant tied up. Above the
outer fencing there is visible a medley of trees in the garden beyond; and yet again one
FIG. 63. FRIGIDARIUM OF THE STABIAN BATHS, POMPEII
can recognise the trees and shrubs, all planted in regular order—oranges with flower and
fruit, and in between them splendid colours in a fine flower-bed appear over the barrier.
Farther back there are cypresses, palms, and other shady trees. In the branches
a number of many-coloured birds are flitting about, enjoying the flowers, and their
freedom also, for only one of them is shut up; his golden cage is standing on the balustrade.
Another room with much the same intention as this of Livia's, and just as attractive,
is the little Frigidarium of the Stabian Baths at Pompeii (Fig. 63). It is a circular room,
letting in the light overhead: the blue sky above mixes its own colour with the roof, which
has stars painted on a blue ground. The walls and the four semicircular alcoves that
are meant to enlarge the room, are also covered with a garden fresco, of trees over a red
border. There are many fountains, where doves are seen quenching their thirst; while
others are fluttering about among the trees, which are planted at regular distances (Fig. 64).