12 JULY 1845, Page 11

PANOB.A.MA OF ATHENS:

A beautiful little panorama of Athens has this week been opened in the smallest of the three prospect-circles in Leicester Square. It is painted by Mr. Burford, assisted by M. Selous, from sketches taken on the spot by Mr. George Knowles this year; and therefore the present appearance of - the far-famed city is faithfully depicted. The view is taken from the Hill of Musmus, whence the best aspect of the Acropolis is seen. The monu- ment of Philopappns—a relic of the Roman period—stands prominent in the foreground; the Pnyx Hill and the Areopagus., the Temples of Theseus and Jupiter Olympius, being equally conspicuous with the Parthenon, The groves of Academus and the Lyceum, where Plato and Aristotle taught, are visible in the plain; and boldest among the range of mountains that en- close it as iu a natural amphitheatre, is Mount Hymettus. The Isles of Salamis and /Egina are visible in the ./Egean Sea; and other spots renowned in story and associated with classic recollections meet the eye on every side A group of Greeks in their gay costumes gives vivacity to the fore- ground The'painting has the delicacy and finish of an easel picture: the distant mountains are distinctly made out, as well as the intervening ob- jects; and the effect of light and atmosphere is extraordinary. The local colouring of the ruins and the face of the country is preserved; and pains have been taken to make it a faithful representation of Athens as it is.