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Show 231 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. be invisible, is restraining the wrath of Peleus son, and Chryseis is standing, apparently in great fear, near Achilles. The other figure is most probably intended for Menelaus. The group behind represents the Greeks assembled round their kings in council. " S I D E V I E W . - The seizure of Chryseis:-She is embracing and taking leave of her father Chryses ; her head is turned towards Achilles, who appears looking at her with impatience; the latter is also holding his horse by the bridle, while he makes a sign of departure to his attendant Automedon, who is near him. Two damsels, bearing small parcels, follow the prisoner. " O P P O S I T E SIDE VIEW.-Achilles resuming his arms to avenge the death of Patroclus :-He appears in the midst of his armour, holding with his right hand the bridle of his horse, while his left hand grasps a sword; the other figures surrounding him are the princes come to implore him to return to the combat. " T H E H I N D E R SIDE.-Here the ransoming of Hector s body is described:-Priam, the aged king of Troy, is on his knees before Achilles, whose hands he embraces, while entreating for the remains of his son; the chariot, placed behind the monarch, is filled with costly articles destined for the ransom." This subject has been dramatized, and frequently and variously treated by theatrical writers. Numerous are the examples of such adoptions, which, on the part of the artist, only require arrangement and adaptation to the taste of the modern audience. Moral as well as allegorical subjects may be clearly explained in a picture, and, indeed, on such the talented painter may employ all the riches of his art. Jordan has handled a great moral truth both as a painter and as a philosopher; and his picture exhibits a fine dramatic representation. The following is the manner |