Page:The New Monthly Magazine - Volume 011.djvu/587

woven fingers: one of those positions which idlesse "is very cunning in"—and which every one of us is in the habit of assuming spontaneously, and without ever having seen it assumed by others, though it is one which premeditation would never have taught us.—From 18 to 22, the draped figures, bearing offerings, &c. continue—but are in a very imperfect state. We now, from 23, all along the left side of the room, to 33—where the slab turns the corner—are presented with mounted horsemen, and charioteers. This part of the composition—from 25 to 30—is undoubtedly that which is most worthy of admiration—not only on account of its comparatively good state of preservation, but of the variety and elegance of the composition, and the astonishing life, spirit, and truth of the execution. From 25 to the end of this side of the room, the spirit and interest of the scene keep increasing; till at length there is scarcely an air or attitude which can be by an accomplished horseman that we do not meet with. The whole, too, seem to crowd and press upon each other, with an effect of actual life and motion.—Just beyond the left angle, however, which occurs at this part of the room, there is a point in the picture which I cannot avoid noticing here; though it has already been mentioned, in a work which appeared a short time ago, entitled "Letters on England." I allude to the grossly defective execution of the fore legs of a horse which is introduced here. It seems to have been occasioned, either by some necessary alteration in the arrangement of this part of the composition, or more probably from the work having been for a moment intrusted to some inferior and incapable hand. At all events, it is highly curious and interesting, occurring as it does in the midst of objects which might almost seem to have demanded more than human skill to produce them.—At about No. 38, the composition turns the corner, on the same slab of marble; and then, during all the rest of its extent along the opposite side of the room, it is sadly injured and decayed; until towards the extreme end, where the sacrifices, &c. commence. Here, if anywhere, the execution is perhaps somewhat inferior. In conclusion, the reader may be assured, that in standing before the best parts of this frieze, (those, for instance, which occupy the left side of the room) he looks upon the most beautiful and perfect work of its kind now in existence.