DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.22421#0113
Letter III.
ELGIN MAEBLES.
five feet—four being intended for the side view, and the fifth for
the front view; also in the difference in the hair — that of the lion
being arranged in straight locks, that of the bull more curly. In
both indications of muscles are evident, and even of veins. The
claws of the bull are of excellent workmanship, also the large
wings, folded, are conformable to style, and very carefully treated.
The state of preservation of each is wonderful. Although these
are surpassed in size by the figures of the man-bull in the Louvre,
yet those are far inferior in execution, and their exaggerated, ill-
understood, and coarsely executed forms, especially of the legs,
are evidences of the decline of Assyrian art, and indicate a later
period.
A fresh and considerable transport of Nimroud sculptures had
arrived in England but shortly before I quitted it, in the autumn
of 1851. I could only inspect them as they lay on the floor, Mr.
Birch kindly unwrapping the matting with which they were
packed. I was, however, much struck by a colossal ljon with
wide-extended jaws, which is remarkable for truth of nature and
sharpness of execution.
Finally, another most interesting object from the rarity of
sculpture in the round is the statue of a king in a gypseous stone,
of careful execution, but agreeing entirely in character and style
with the slabs.
GREEK AND ROMAN SCULPTURES.
The collections of Greek and Roman sculptures, especially of
the former, contained in the Museum, have been formed chiefly by
the following purchases and presents. In 1805, the rich collection
of marbles and terra cottas belonging to Charles Townley, Esq.,
was purchased for 20,000/. ; in 1811, his remaining antiquities
for 8,200/. In 1815, 15,000/. was paid on the spot for the frieze of
the Temple of Apollo at Phigalia, which was increased to 19,000/.
by subsequent expenses. In 1816 the Elgin marbles were pur-
chased for 35,000/. In 1840, a Greek bronze statue was bought
of M. Mimant. In 1842 the Lycian sculptures were obtained.
Some very interesting archaic terra cottas—Bellerophon and the
Chimaera, Perseus and Medusa—were purchased of Mr. Burgon.
As regards presents, the most important are those on the part
of the Dilettante Society ; the marble bust of ^Eschines, and of a
VOL. I. E
ELGIN MAEBLES.
five feet—four being intended for the side view, and the fifth for
the front view; also in the difference in the hair — that of the lion
being arranged in straight locks, that of the bull more curly. In
both indications of muscles are evident, and even of veins. The
claws of the bull are of excellent workmanship, also the large
wings, folded, are conformable to style, and very carefully treated.
The state of preservation of each is wonderful. Although these
are surpassed in size by the figures of the man-bull in the Louvre,
yet those are far inferior in execution, and their exaggerated, ill-
understood, and coarsely executed forms, especially of the legs,
are evidences of the decline of Assyrian art, and indicate a later
period.
A fresh and considerable transport of Nimroud sculptures had
arrived in England but shortly before I quitted it, in the autumn
of 1851. I could only inspect them as they lay on the floor, Mr.
Birch kindly unwrapping the matting with which they were
packed. I was, however, much struck by a colossal ljon with
wide-extended jaws, which is remarkable for truth of nature and
sharpness of execution.
Finally, another most interesting object from the rarity of
sculpture in the round is the statue of a king in a gypseous stone,
of careful execution, but agreeing entirely in character and style
with the slabs.
GREEK AND ROMAN SCULPTURES.
The collections of Greek and Roman sculptures, especially of
the former, contained in the Museum, have been formed chiefly by
the following purchases and presents. In 1805, the rich collection
of marbles and terra cottas belonging to Charles Townley, Esq.,
was purchased for 20,000/. ; in 1811, his remaining antiquities
for 8,200/. In 1815, 15,000/. was paid on the spot for the frieze of
the Temple of Apollo at Phigalia, which was increased to 19,000/.
by subsequent expenses. In 1816 the Elgin marbles were pur-
chased for 35,000/. In 1840, a Greek bronze statue was bought
of M. Mimant. In 1842 the Lycian sculptures were obtained.
Some very interesting archaic terra cottas—Bellerophon and the
Chimaera, Perseus and Medusa—were purchased of Mr. Burgon.
As regards presents, the most important are those on the part
of the Dilettante Society ; the marble bust of ^Eschines, and of a
VOL. I. E