Note 16 — ESSAYS.
Reading edition
Doubtless such magnificent persons as the Kings of Persia had painters and sculptors. Persepolis, and the Takht i Rustan prove it. Pliny says that a Phocean artist, named Telephenes, was in the service of Xerxes and Darius; therefore the Persian court offered to artists the prospect of fortune.
In the very interesting narrative of the late Mr. Rich’s residence on the site of ancient Nineveh (lately published by his widow), mention is made of the remaining decorations of the decayed Christian churches. These are of so early a date that the art employed on them must be the same with that of the times of the fire-worshippers. The figures appear to have been in relief, like those of the catacombs of Egypt, and colour remains in various parts.