Note 16 — Chapter II · 1817-1820. TRAVELS IN FRANCE, ITALY, GREECE, EGYPT, AND THE EAST.

In after years Mr. Barry published the results of his observations in an article in the ‘Architectural Dictionary’ on Baalbec. It describes the ruins with great minuteness, and is an excellent specimen of his accuracy of observation and clearness of description. It speaks of the three Temples as having great magnificence and “exuberance of decoration,” notices the “breaking of the entablature over each projecting columnar pier,” as producing, especially in the circular temple, “great movement in the skyline of the building, and a very picturesque effect,” and criticizes the style of decoration as showing much imagination and power. The description was written some thirty-five years after his visit, but it seemed as though drawn up on the spot.