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divided into two classes or orders, having characteristics sufficiently marked
to
be distinguished at all times. The first class will include all those specimens
in which a variety of subjects and great richness of detail are the most
striking features. The designs of the second class are not only less enriched,
but the proportions are lighter.   This latter style, although destitute
of the
luxuriant beauty of the former, has many admirers among the architects,
artists, and men of taste in the present day; but owing to its insufficient
variety and apparent monotony, it has less attractions for the public eye,
though possessing a greater correctness of outline and propriety of detail,
and
much less expensive in execution.
   Judging from the ancient specimens of the Arabesque which still remain,
the Roman artists appear to have adopted the most vivid style of colouring,
and aimed at obtaining strong contrasts.    Upon an inspection of their works,
the observer is at first amazed, and is at a loss for any probable conjecture
to account for the gaudiness of the appearance.    It is easy, however, to
give
a reason for this peculiar, and to us, unpleasant feature     of Roman  
 deco-
ration, when we remember the insufficient distribution of light in all ancient
dwellings.   The want of glass must have presented great difficulties in
the
progress of the art of decoration, and have even retarded it, among the Romans;
for although they were acquainted with the use of this substance as a
transparent medium, and adopted some admirable substitutes, the costliness
of
the one and of the other must have prevented their common use, and
indeed, confined their introduction to the dwellings of the wealthy.    A
very
uncertain and insufficient light was therefore admitted into the apartments
of
a Roman residence, so that the glare and vulgarity produced by the frequent
contrast of positive colours were subdued and softened by the half light
in
which the composition was viewed. Many of the Roman apartments seem to
haVe admitted no other light than that which could be obtained from lamps
or other artificial sources, being constructed without windows or any direct
communication with the external atmospheric air, and therefore shut from
the