The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)Pliny, the Elder
History
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)
Pliny, the Elder
Natural history -- Pre-Linnean works
Following his example, Nealces,[2054] it is said, succeeded in
representing the foam at a horse’s mouth; for on one occasion, when
engaged in painting a man holding in a pair of horses and soothing them
with his voice,[2055] he also dashed his sponge against the picture,
with the view of producing a like effect.
It was on account of this Ialysus, which he was apprehensive of
destroying, that King Demetrius[2056] forbore to set fire to the only
side of the city of Rhodes by which it was capable of being taken;
and thus, in his anxiety to spare a picture, did he lose his only
opportunity of gaining a victory. The dwelling of Protogenes at this
period was situate in a little garden in the suburbs, or in other
words, in the midst of the camp of Demetrius. The combats that were
taking place made no difference whatever to the artist, and in no way
interrupted his proceeding with the works which he had commenced; until
at last he was summoned before the king, who enquired how he could have
the assurance thus to remain without the walls. “Because I know,” was
his answer, “that you are waging war with the Rhodians, and not with
the arts.” Upon this, the king, delighted at having the opportunity
of protecting the hand which he had thus spared, ordered a guard to
be placed at his disposal for the especial purpose of his protection.
In order, too, that he might not distract the artist’s attention by
sending for him too often, he would often go, an enemy albeit, to pay
him a visit, and, abandoning his aspirations for victory, in the midst
of arms and the battering down of walls, would attentively examine the
compositions of the painter. Even to this day, the story is still
attached to the picture which he was then engaged upon, to the effect,
that Protogenes painted it beneath the sword. It is his Satyr, known as
the “Anapauomenos;”[2057] in whose hand, to mark the sense of security
that he felt, the painter has placed a pair of pipes.
Protogenes executed also, a Cydippe; a Tlepolemus; a portrait of
Philiscus, the tragic poet, in an attitude of meditation; an Athlete; a
portrait of King Antigonus, and one of the mother of Aristotle.[2058]
It was this philosopher too, who advised him to paint the exploits
of Alexander the Great, as being certain to be held in everlasting
remembrance. The impulse, however, of his natural disposition, combined
with a certain artistic caprice, led him in preference to adopt the
various subjects which have just been mentioned. His last works were
representations of Alexander and the god Pan. He also executed some
figures in bronze, as already[2059] stated.
At the same period also, lived Asclepiodorus,[2060] who was greatly
admired by Apelles for his proportions. The tyrant Mnason[2061] paid
him, for his picture of the Twelve Gods, at the rate of thirty minæ for
each divinity. This same Mnason also paid Theomnestus twenty minæ for
each of his Heroes.
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