scrolls. The design and execution are only surpassed by the Portland
vase, which Zähn, in his beautiful work, entitled "Ornamentum ze
Pompeii," admits to be superior. The form is entirely dissimilar to the
Portland vase, although perhaps not less elegant. The foot of the Naples
vase has been abstracted by some sacrilegious hands. Zähn supposes
it to have been of gold. With this exception, the body of the vase,
handles, &c., indeed, the whole, is perfect; and affords a practical
and instructive illustration of the great artistic skill attained and
the time bestowed by the ancients upon this extraordinary class of
productions. It is somewhat unusual, as in the case of this vase, to
find the chief subjects—viz., the Bacchanalian figures—placed
under each of the handles, instead of between the handles. Who is to
say that the great Phidias, or his pupils, might not have condescended
to work upon such magnificent gems of art?
By reference to the illustrated manipulatory
portion of this work, full explanation will be found of the mode of
casing, or placing two or more coats of glass upon each other; a degree
of perfection of the art at that early period, of which the Naples and
Portland vases, and that found few years since at Pompeii, and drawn
by Minutoli, (a portion of which is in possession of Mr,. Richardson
Aldjo, and the remainder in the British Museum,) are splendid specimens.
They are indicative of great Glass-making skill, especially the handles,
which are shaped with admirable taste and accuracy; and we are at a
loss which most to admire—the beauty of the form, or the skill
and patience of the engraver.
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