PLATE VI. The "Venus" Pavement found at Hemsworth. 



This floor is of peculiar shape, in plan like a slightly stilted semi-circle, or an 

 apsida;! end, i6ft. long and 12ft. yin. broad. The central panel, of the same shape 

 as the whole floor, is occupied by an artistic representation of Venus rising from the 

 waves, and screened at the back by an enormous, beautifully-fluted and delicately- 

 coloured shell, the rays diverging from the point where the goddess's feet meet. 

 Unfortunately the head and body have been destroyed, most probably by deliberate 

 intent, as the remainder of the floor is nearly perfect ; but the legs remain from the 

 hips downwards. The decorated borders enclosing the panel are varied and beautiful. 

 Besides the cable ornament of two and three strands, the guilloche appears, and there 

 are other elaborate geometrical designs delicately foliated. The broad and main outer 

 band is the most remarkable, for it is occupied by five dolphins delineated with wonder- 

 ful life and spirit, and with small fish and scallop shells between. The colours in this 

 pavement are rhore varied than the other, for there are here yellows and browns. Pale 

 blue tesserae worked into the lower parts of the dolphins' bodies give an effective 

 impression of the gleam of the creatures emerging from the water. 



