Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-06-19
Il POHEIAN HOUSE.
The Casa Del Centenario the
L0rKest HithertO DtScQYered. -

The Naples correspondent OF the Dafiu Ne,es
WIlteS Inc house which was begun to be ex-
casated al the celebration of the centenary OF
Pompeff, and Ia. therefore called Cas- del Cen
tehalio. and from which then saw three ssel-
etons dug out, has proved to be the largest
1t contains tv o atria two tr!chnia four aI.e or
wings, calidarium, nfgidarfum, and tepiiar-
fum. 1t occupies the entire space between three
to be excavated. The yestibule is elegantly
decorated, and its mosaic pavement ornamented
with the figure Of dolphin pursued by sea-
horse.
In the first atrium, tie walls OF which are
adorned with small theatrical scenes, the pave
ment Is sunk and broken, as II by an earth.
quake, and there is large hole through which
enc sees the cellar. The second atrium Is very
spacious. with handsome perisytle. the COL
rmns-white and red stucco-being twenty-six
10 number. In the center is large marble basin,
Within the edge of which runs a narrow step.
The most interesting place in the house is an
inner court or room, on one side Of which is the
hlcbe, with tiny marble steps, often to be seen
In POmpeian houses.
he frescoes On the walls are very beautiful.
Close to the floor runs a wreath OF leaves about
quarter OF yard wide, with alternately a
IaId and stork. Above it, about yard dis
tapt droop, as II from over wall, large branches
OF vine or ivy and broad leaves like those of
the tlger-hlly-aI very freely, naturally, and
gracefully drawn. AT each corner Of the
brS inches. Then comes a space-bordered
at the top by another row OF leaves-ln
WI wien s Is represented a whole aquarium. as II
feIent sorts OF shells and aquatic plants living
at the cotton OF the water. and swimming in or
Oh II all kinds OF fish, Jelly fish, septas. ducks
ana swans. admirably sketched with light yet
nlm touch The ripples made by the swimming
DUCKS are Indicated, and one duck is Just II wing
INTO the water with a splash. On each size OF
the hlche this amusing aquarium is enlivened
nS special incident To the left large octo-
puS mas caught mOnstrous mur9na damp
rey)-wh1ch turns round to bite--in its tenta-
Giles: TO the right a fine lobster has pierced
snot her muTana through and through with its
long nara IeelerS or horns. These creatures
are painted in the natural colors very truth.
fully. On the left wall OF the room, above the
nSheS are two sphlnXeS, supporting on their
neaoS square marble vases. on the brim Of each
Behind the niche, and on the left side OF the
room. runs little gallery with corridor under
h neash, lighted by small square holes In the
border OF hanging branches The wall OF this
gallery behind the niche is decorated with a
woodland landscape, in which, on one side is
represented bull running frantically away
WIN lion clinging to its launches; on the
otner, horse lying struggling on its back.
attacked by leopard: all nearly the size OF
me- on each side OF the doorway is painted.
respectively, graceful doe and bear.
Inc other rooms are also very beautiful; one
with splendidly elegant design on black
ground; In another small fresco representing
a man pouring wine out OF an amphora into a
large vessel. The bath rooms are large and
elegant, the cold bath spacious and of marble.
In one room corner is dedicated to the lares
ana pen0tes, and in the fresco decoration.
among the usual serpents. &C., noticed the
singular figure of Bacchus or bacchante. en-
nnei s clothed with large grapes. In one Of the
mosaic pavementS is head Of Medusa the
colors very bright and well preserved. Assome
OF the rooms are only eXcavatel to within two
or three feet OF the floor, 1t is possible that
many valuable ornaments or Statuettes may yet
be 1Ound, as everything indicates that this
splendid house belonged 70 some rich citizen"