Imatges de pàgina
PDF
EPUB
[graphic][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

STOA OF ADRIAN.

117

which I have introduced myself to my reader, I now feel that I cannot hope to fulfil even them. Having, however, gone so far, I cannot persuade myself to abandon my undertaking: I shall therefore proceed, intreating my reader's indulgence for a feeble and desultory narrative.

The first object of inspection was the Stoa of Adrian, standing in the present market-place, but nearly hidden by surrounding buildings; a ruined church conceals several of the columns, the Corinthian capitals of which appear above the roof; the others are exposed, and each of one block of marble: there are seven of these, with another, which stands out alone, fluted. The pencil of Mr. Newton has given this scene with more truth than even the most practised pen could do, and the figures in the original sketch are lively portraits of the present population of Athens.

We were next shown a figure, a sort of Merman, of colossal size, but rude work

manship, which did not call forth any particular admiration; but of this an abundance was excited, when we returned to, and examined the Temple of Theseus, of the Doric order, and the most perfect temple in Greece. The columns, thirtyfour in number, are all standing, and part of the frieze, representing the battle of the Centaurs and Lapithæ, still remains. The interior is now a sort of museum, or place of deposit for whatever antiquities may be discovered in digging the foundations of the new houses.

Of these, vast quantities, particularly fragments of inscriptions,-have been already collected, both here and in the Acropolis; but their full value cannot be yet ascertained, as the greater portion are so mutilated and broken, as to be at present only capable of affording to the mere antiquary the pleasure of arranging and deciphering them. It seemed, indeed, to us, that it would require the whole of

[blocks in formation]

a learned life to enable one to appreciate this class of Athenian curiosities, to which every day is making innumerable additions. A Greek gentleman of the name of Pittakys, whom we afterwards met, has lately published in French a kind of Athenian guide book, called " L'Ancienne Athènes," in which he has collected, with -as might be expected in a first attempt― more diligence than discrimination, most of the passages of ancient and modern writers concerning the topography of Athens. It is the first attempt at anything of this kind, and will, there can be no doubt, be much improved in succeeding editions. The most novel and valuable portion of Mr. Pittakys' own labour, is, that he has collected a great number of these newly-discovered inscriptions, many of which are curious, and some exceedingly interesting, as I shall have occasion to show by and by*.

* As these sheets are passing through the

press, I am

Among the novelties were a sarcopha

gus, of which one side is finished with flowers of the most delicate sculpture: a figure of an orator, in alto-relievo, wanting the head, but the attitude and drapery fine; and a pretty monumental group of three figures, in which a lady is represented as taking something from the hands of a female slave, while a tottering baby is supporting itself by holding her knees. The group is easy, graceful, and natural, and the inscription is no less so :

Ενθαδε την αγαθην και σωφρονα και εκάλυψεν
ΑΡΚΕΣΤΡΑΤΗΝ, ανδρι ποθεινοτατην.

of which this is, I am aware, a very poor translation: "Here the earth has covered Archestrate the virtuous and modest, by her husband most beloved and regretted." There is no expression in the

glad to learn that Mr. Pittakys has been appointed Inspector of Antiquities, and is proceeding on his interesting duties with increased zeal and success.

« AnteriorContinua »