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Show 338 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. of her fancy, teaches her to trace the likeness of Polydore, and the sight of these simple lines supplied to mankind the idea of the admirable art of painting. According to the writings of Pliny, the inventor of this art was Gyges of Lydia, who taught it to the Egyptians. This author relates that Gyges being near the fire, and perceiving the reflection of his shadow, he took a coal and drew the outlines of his body upon the wall. Apollodorus afterwards invented the pencil. Philocares of Egypt, and Cleanthes of Corinth, passed also as the inventors of painting. Enchires, brother-in-law to Daedalus, calls him the original discoverer, as his relative had been of sculpture. Further, it may be gathered from the ancients, that Crato of Sycion was regarded as the inventor of painting, he having traced the outlines round the shadow of his horse, while the sun was shining upon the sand. The name of Corinthia has also been assigned to Dibutade when relating her essay; but the name and anecdote of Dibutade being more generally known, they have been preferred. C H A R A C T E R S. PHILOCLES, manufacturer of earthen vases. DIBUTADE, in love with Polydore, and daughter of Philocles. POLYDORE, a Greek Officer, enamoured of Dibutade. CUPID. APOLLO. THE MUSES. DRYADS. SYLVANS. SHEPHERDS. SHEPHERDESSES. PEOPLE OF SYCION. The scene is laid at Sycion, a town of Greece. |
