142 ISLAND OF PAROS. 
CHAP. as an integral part of the natural rock, and in 
the allusion made to it by Pliny, we have 
sufficient proof that these were antient quar- 
ries 1 ; consequently they are the properest 
places to resort to for the identical stone 
whose colour was considered as pleasing to 
the Gods*, which was used by Praxiteles 3 , and 
by other illustrious Grecian sculptors, and cele- 
brated for its whiteness by Pindar* and by 
(1) This curious bas-relief, together with the entrance to the quarry 
which contained it, are represented in the Voyage Pittoresque of Count 
de Ckoiscul Goiiffier, (Voyage Pittoresqite de la Grece, tome I. p. 68. 
Paris, 1782.) but with more attention to the effect of a beautiful pic- 
ture than to accuracy of design. The plates in this magnificent work 
are almost equal, in their style of composition, and in their execution, 
to the engravings of Audran, from paintings by Le Brun; and that to 
which allusion is now made is faithful in every thing, except in the 
detail of this piece of antient sculpture. A reference to the French 
work will, however, serve to shew its situation in the quarry, and 
render unnecessary any further attempt at delineation, where the 
manner of it must necessarily be so very inferior. The antiquity itself 
is the greatest curiosity in the island ; and perhaps, from the circum- 
stance which Pliny has mentioned, it will excite the attention of tra- 
vellers more than it has hitherto done. 
(2) P/a/odeLeg. torn. II. lib. xii. p. 296. 
(3) " Prtixitelt: m Paria vindicat arte lapis." Propertius, lib. iti. 
Eleg. vii. 16. Also, Quinctilian, lib. ii. 19- "Praxiteles signurn 
aliquod e molari lapide eonutus est exsculjtere, Parium marmor vellem 
rude:" &c. See also a curious Treatise of Blasius Carynphilvs (vulgo 
lliugio Garafolo, NenpolitaniuJ, entitled " De Antiques Martnoribus 
Opusculum" p. 10. Utrecht, 1743: and the numerous authors therein 
cited. 
(4) Vi'L Kern. Ode IV. p. 262. Genet: 1626. 
2rX* tift.ii \\ailtu 
