This plate, which, from its small dimensions, is not capable of containing a sufficient breadth of the black panels on each side to give its full value to the perspective here represented, may, nevertheless, convey some idea of the beautiful effect produced by the paintings on the walls of this portico. In the centre of these large black divisions are placed the pictures of which the outlines wi1l be given, and to which the contrast of colour almost imparts the appearance of being seen through a window in the wall. The sky seems to have been left nearly white, but the architecture in the background is tinted with the aerial purple of distance.

Over the portico, seen on the left through the arch, a pergula, or trellis-work of vines, such as occurs in modern Italy, is visible. On the right may be seen the manner in which the ancients sometimes applied the Doric order to the upper story of a private dwelling. The figure approaching through the opening may have been that of the painter himself.

The little pediments of the shrines on each side are exceedingly graceful ; and the two pictures with boats, though scarcely distinguishable on so small a scale, were, when first discovered, clear and perfect.

The figure with the lyre in the lover compartment is not positively that which occupies that situation ; but, being more graceful than that which happens to fill this place, has been selected from among many now existing in the portico.