Pisistratus, in armour, over which is a blue mantle, is giving orders to an old man who kneels before him, holding an open book. Behind the old man attendants are placing books on desks—others are reading. Behind Pisistratus is a group of officers, and behind them again a book-press without doors, and a row of open books on the top.
(b) Restoration of the library by Seleucus.
Seleucus bibliothecam a Xerxe asportatam referendam curat.
Servants are bringing in books which are being hastily packed into cases. In the background is seen the sea, with a ship; and the door of the palace. A picture full of life and movement.
VI. BIBLIOTHECA ALEXANDRINA.
(Two pictures.)
(a) Ptolemy organises the library at Alexandria.
Ptolemæus ingenti bibliotheca instructa Hebreorum libros concupiscit.
Ptolemy, a dignified figure in a royal habit, stands in the centre. He is addressing an elderly man who stands on his right. Behind him are three porches, within which are seen desks and readers. In the central porch are closed presses, with rows of folios on the top. Below are desks, at which readers are seated, their backs turned to the presses.
(b) The Seventy Translators bring their work to Ptolemy.