Vitr. The custom has gone out in some nations.
The Door—The Hall
Next comes the door of the entrance hall, which the hall servant (atriensis servus) answers. He is the chief of the servants, as the house-boy (mediastinus) is the least in position. Then comes the spacious hall for walking in, and in it are numerous and varied pictures.
Joc. Please, what are they all about?
Vitr. That is a representation of the foundations of the heavens (coeli facies ichnographica). That shows the plan of the earth and sea. There you have the world newly discovered by Spanish navigations. In that picture you see Lucretia as she is killing herself.[53]
Joc. Please, what is she saying, for even as she is dying she seems to say something?
Vitr. “Many are astounded at my deed because it is not every one who has suffered such a grief.”
Joc. I understand what she says.
Leo. What is the meaning of this picture delineated with such varied figures?
Vitr. It is a sketch of this house. Draw back the covering from that picture. There!