Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Topia

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Rich, Anthony (1849). The illustrated companion to the Latin dictionary, and Greek lexicon. p. vi. OCLC 894670115. https://archive.org/details/illustratedcompa00rich. 

TOP'IA. Landscape paintings; introduced in later times as a decoration for the walls of a dwelling-room, and consisting of imaginary views of country scenery, ports, temples, &c., &c. (Vitruv. vii. 5. 2.) Many of these topia have been found in the houses at Pompeii, agreeing perfectly with the description of Vitruvius; being for the most part fanciful compositions, with little of nature in them, but free in the handling, and not unpleasing to the eye. A specimen (Topia/1.1) is introduced in order to afford an idea of the usual style exhbited in this branch of art amongst the ancients.

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