d, in a natural grotto near the
ruined city of Shapur. [PLATE XXXV.] The original height of the figure,
according to M. Texier, was 6 metres 7 centimetres, or between 19 and.
20 feet. It was well proportioned, and carefully wrought, representing
the monarch in peaceful attire, but with a long sword at his left side,
wearing the mural crown which characterizes him on the bas-reliefs,
and dressed in a tunic and trousers of a light and flexible material,
apparently either silk or muslin. The hair, beard, and mustachios,
were neatly arranged and well rendered. The attitude of the figure was
natural and good. One hand, the right, rested upon the hip; the other
touched, but without grasping it, the hilt of the long straight sword.
If we may trust the representation of M. Texier's artist, the folds of
the drapery were represented with much skill and delicacy; but the hands
and feet of the figure, especially the latter, were somewhat roughly
rendered.

[Illustration: PLATE XXXV.]

The bas-reliefs of the Sassanians are extremely numerous, and though
generally rude, and sometimes even grotesque, are not without a certain
amount of merit. Some of the earlier and coarser specimens have been
already given in this volume; and one more of the same class is here
appended [PLATE XXXVI., Fig. 1.] but we have now to notice some other
and better examples, which seem to indicate that the Persians of this
period attained a considerable proficiency in this branch of the glyptic
art. The reliefs belonging to the time of Sapor I. are generally poor
in conception and ill-executed; but in one instance, unless the modern
artist has greatly flattered his original, a work of this time is not
devoid of some artistic excellence. This is a representation of the
triumph of Sapor over Valerian, comprising only four figures--Sapor,
an attendant, and two Romans--of which the three principal are boldly
drawn, in attitudes natural, yet effective, and in good proportion.
[PLATE XXXVII.] The horse on which Sapor rides is of the usual clumsy
description, reminding us of those which draw our brewers' wains; and
the exaggerated hair, floating ribbons and uncouth head-dress of the
monarch give an _outre_ and ridiculous air to the chief figure; but, if
we deduct these defects, which are common to almost all the Sassanian
artists, the representation becomes pleasing and dignified. Sapor sits
his horse well, and thinks not of himself, but of what he is doing.
C