The text describes three historical figures depicted in plates numbered 75, 76, and 77. The first figure, the Dying Gladiator, is noted for its realistic portrayal of bravery in the face of death. The second figure features a marble group with Apollo playing a seven-pipe flute, praised for its proportions and refinement. The third figure, the Hermaphrodite, is celebrated for its ingenious, graceful pose, contrasting with the Venus de' Medici.
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Mirmille, or the Dying Gladiator. Plate 75. Without repeating what we have already said about the previous antiques, it is sufficient to note that this figure is one of the most beautiful and true to nature, as we commonly observe. The choice of pose, which is very beautiful, perfectly conveys the focus these Gladiators had on dying in front of the spectators without any semblance of fear, and the expression of the head beautifully depicts suffering tamed by courage. This beautiful figure is located at the Capitol, in Rome.
Apollo playing the flute with seven pipes. Plate 76. This figure is part of a marble group located at the Villa Ludovisi, representing the God Pan, who teaches Apollo to play the pastoral flute. This group is an excellent piece, and combines the most beautiful proportions with great taste and precision. As the measurements are marked on all these plates, and are always divided by the sizes of noses, we will not say more.
The Hermaphrodite. Plate 77. The Hermaphrodite represented by these two figures is yet another masterpiece of Antiquity. Its pose is ingeniously flexible, natural, and full of grace. It is a different nature from the Venus de' Medici; it is younger, more delicate, and has less im...
Translation Notes
Some specific terms like Villa Ludovisi and Venus de' Medici refer to historical places or sculptures, which are names that are typically directly used without translation in English.