[ *4 3 
VI. Remarks on the principal Paintings 
found in the fubterraneous City of Hercu- 
laneum, and at prefent in the Poffejfion of 
the King of Naples ; by — Blondeau 
Efq\ communicated by Tho. Stack M, D . 
& F. R. S. 
Read Jan. 26.^ | '’HE Paintings found under-ground in 
*748-9. Herculaneum near Purtici, are ail 
done on Stucco in Water-colours in Frefco. They 
have been taken from the Walls of an Amphitheatre, 
a Temple, and Houfes, and are in great Variety, 
fome exceeding fine, and well prefcrved. I divide 
them into two Clafles; the firft of which contains 
the four following Pi&ures. 
The firft is a large Piece of 7 Feet by 7, rcpre- 
fcnting Thefeus , after having killed the Minotaur. 
He is naked at full Length, holding a Club or knot- 
ted Stick in his left Hand by the finall End: A 
young Woman by his Side, holding the laid Club a 
little higher with her right Hand, and looking up 
wifhfully at him : Three Children of different Ages; 
one killing his right Arm, which is extended ; the 
lccond his left Leg, which is a little rais'd ; and the 
third gralping and killing his left Arm; all as it were 
wifhing him Joy, and carefling him after the Vitftory ; 
the Minotaur lying on his Back dead at his Feet, 
a human Body with a Bull's Head and fhort Horns. 
This Piece has been a great deal larger. On the 
upper Part is Part of a naked Arm with a Trumpet. 
The fecondj is a noble Piece of 10 Feet by 7, 
vintirc, and feems to reprefent Rome triumphant ; 
.2 viz. 
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