POMPEIANA de William Gell (éd. de 1832)

Plate VIII - Stairs of the cryptoporticus

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The side walls of the steps represented in plate VIII are chiefly remarkable for their colouring in black panels, which, being in a situation exposed to a strong light, have a singular and beautiful effect.

In modern times it would be thought preposterous to employ so much dark colour in decoration, yet, in the present instance, it seems by no means misapplied, nor, when treated in this manner, devoid of brilliancy.