The dress of Posidippus, who was reckoned among the Greeks one of the best authors of what was called the _New Comedy_, is nearly that of Menander, the poet. Like him, he is represented sitting on a hemi-cycle. These two statues, which are companions, are admirable for the noble simplicity of their execution. They are both of Pentelic marble, and were found in the XVIth century at Rome, in the gardens of the convent of _San Lorenzo_, on Mount Viminal. After making part of the baths of Olympius, they were placed by Sixtus V. at _Negroni_, whence they were removed to the Vatican by Pius VI. * * * * * Continuing our examination, after leaving the HALL OF ILLUSTRIOUS MEN, we next come to the HALL OF THE ROMANS. The ceiling of this hall is ornamented with subjects taken from the Roman history, painted by ROMANELLI; and in it are chiefly assembled such works of sculpture as have a relation to that people. Among several busts and statues, representing ADRIAN, PUBLIUS CORNELIUS SCIPIO, MARCUS JUNIUS BRUTUS, LUCIUS JUNIUS BRUTUS, CICERO, &c. I shall point out to your notice, 209. _The_ TORSO _of_ BELVEDERE. This admirable remnant of a figure seated, though the head, arms, and legs are wanting, represents the apotheosis of Hercules. The lion's skin spread on the rock, and the enormous size of the limbs, leave no doubt as to the subject of the statue. Notwithstanding the muscles are strongly marked, the veins in the body of the hero are suppressed, whence antiquaries have inferred, that the intention of the author was to indicate the very moment of his deification. According to this idea, our countryman FLAXMAN has immortalized himself by restoring a copy of the _Torso_, and placing Hebe on the left of Hercules, in the act of presenting to him the cup of immortality. On the rock, where the figure is seated, is the following Greek inscription: [Greek: APOLLONIOS] [Greek: NESTOROS] [Greek: ATÆNAIOS] [Greek: EPOIEI.] By which we are informed, that it is the production of APOLLONIUS, _the Athenian, the son of Nestor_, who, probably, flourished in the time of Pompey the Great. This valuable antique is of Pentelic marble, and sculptured in a most masterly style. It was found at Rome, near Pompey's theatre, now _Campo di Fiore_. Julius II. placed it in the garden of the Vatican, where it was long the object of the studies of MICHAEL ANGELO, RAPHAEL, &c. those illustrious geniuses, to whom we are indebted for the improvement of the fine arts. Among artists, it has always been distinguished by the appellation of the _Torso of Belvedere_. 94. _A wounded warrior, commonly called the_ GLADIATOR MORIENS. This figure, represents a barbarian soldier, dying on the field of battle, without surrendering. It is remarkable for truth of imitation, of a choice nature, though not sublime, (because the subject would not admit of it,) and for nobleness of expression, which is evident without affectation.