It is fortunate for us that the Greek traveller Pausanias has left us
very careful and detailed descriptions of some of the most important of
the frescoes of Polygnotus, notably of the Taking of Troy and the Visit
to Hades, which were at Delphi. A comparison of these descriptions with
vase paintings of the middle of the 5th century has enabled us to
discern with great probability the principles of Polygnotan drawing and
perspective. Professor Robert has even ventured to restore the paintings
on the evidence of vases. We here represent one of the scenes depicted
on a vase found at Orvieto (fig. 29), which is certainly Polygnotan in
character. It represents the slaying of the children of Niobe by Apollo
and Artemis. Here we may observe a remarkable perspective. The different
heights of the rocky background are represented by lines traversing the
picture on which the figures stand; but the more distant figures are no
smaller than the nearer. The forests of Mount Sipylus are represented by
a single conventional tree. The figures are beautifully drawn, and full
of charm; but there is a want of energy in the action.
[Illustration: _Arch. Zeit._ 1878, pl. 22.