Page:History of Art in Persia.djvu/469

 Stvle and Execution. 445 It is even more easy to restore the true aspect of the things portrayed in those instances where the sculptor, in a lazy mood perhaps, contented himself with undue simplification. Thus, in the oft-repealed sculpture of the lion slaying the bull, the latter is depicted with a unique horn, but we immediately put the other behind the one we see (Fig. 211). This holds good with regard to the rams already referred to, which belong to the series of tribute-bearers, and an antelope from another palace (Figs. 2 13, 2 14). If, at the end of this study, we try to realize the impression left by the works that have passed before our eyes and the reflections they have awakened, the following appears to be the notion gained as to the merits and demerits of the Persian sculptor. His handiwork shows great care, and he was admirably served in the quality of the stone he employed, a limestone not too hard for the chisel, and as finely grained as marble. All who have seen the originals are agreed respecting the exquisite finish of the execution; indeed} so remark- able is this as to recall bronze work, notably the wings of the colossi set up at die doorways, and the grifl^ns enjraiTed in a hand-to-hand fight with the monarch (Plate II., Fig. 207).' But such minute precision, though valuable and even pleasing in the rendering of many a detail, is accompanied by a certain dryness, more particularly noticeable in the outline, which is somewhat poor. As a rule, the drawing, though wanting in breadth and decision, is accurate, at least in the principal figures; a large proportion of the minor ones, how- ever, are manifesdy too short, and the head too large for the body (Fig. 2 1 5). It may be said, then, that in some respects the Persian artist has more technical skill than the Egyptian and Assyrian. The laws of anatomy are better obsen^. Persian TtxiER, Desenpfy'on, etc, torn. ii. pp. 168, 170; Flamdin, Relation^ torn. ii. p. 167. Fin. 214. — Pcrsepolis. Bas-relief of I'alace of Xerxes. Fi.ANDiN and COBT% Amt atuunnt, Plate CXXXVI.