[Illustration: Portion of the Ceiling, showing what is known of the
Decoration.]
[Illustration: Portion of the Ceiling as Painted.]
The diagram at once explains what is known in this attempt of supplying
the colours for a Greek ceiling; the colours however even of this are
doubtful. Traces only of the stains are known, and some of the ornaments
have been supposed to be coloured in such a way as to destroy the very
effect, which a mere glance at the diagram will show was intended to be
produced—viz., to imitate, or rather take the place of ornaments in
relief. The star in the centre of the coffer has traces of red upon it,
and has been published as a red star on a blue ground; but Mr. Penrose,
in his work, makes it gold, which is a much more probable arrangement.
[Illustration: Painted Ornaments in the Centres of the Coffers of the
Ceiling of the Propylaea, Athens, as published by Mr. Penrose.]
It will be seen that the parts I have supplied are frets on the plain
soffits of the beams and the ornament on the side of the beams; the
frets I have used in such a way as best to define the architectural
lines of the ceiling.
Those who are inclined to believe that _wherever_ the Greeks ornamented,
_there_ traces of ornament are found, and that consequently where no
ornament is found none existed, of course stop at the stage represented
by the outline diagram, and believe that the general harmony which such
partial ornamenting would disturb was restored by covering all the plain
parts with stains or tints which may or may not have been varied. Till
more is known all this must ever remain matter of opinion and subject to
dispute.
This opinion, however, is entirely based on the fact that the traces of
ornament which do remain are all engraved in outline on the marble with
a sharp instrument; and it is therefore concluded that this was the
universal practice of the Greeks, and that, where no engraved line
exists there was no ornament. I think this a very bold assumption.
It is evident that in such enduring ornaments as those of the Greeks,
provision must have been made for repaintings; and, therefore, on their
moulded surfaces they took care to leave an enduring mark of the
pattern, more especially as these mouldings were in positions most
difficult of access; whilst on the broader surfaces this labour in the
beginning would not be necessary, as the ornaments may have been readily
repainted without it.
In the three centre bays we have attempted a still higher key of colour.
The ornaments of the coffers are suggested by No. 2, from the coffers of
the Propylaea.