Large pictures would seem to be actually taking place without, and beheld through beautifully carved archways or windows; while the apparent walls would have niches filled with superb marble statues and the ceiling be supported by pillars, behind which people walked and talked or leaned out to watch the chief scenes.
"Holbein"
Beatrice Fortescue
So, while we were still with the F.B.C., Pepper was playing every ball straight back to the inquisitive folk who wanted to know what was in the wind, we were ready to go over at a month's notice to that great new cathedral of a place with the mosaic floors and the bronze statues in the niches, and I was free to rub my rosy prospects into Aunt Angela to my heart's content.
"The Debit Account"
Oliver Onions
Tower set square to the storms of air and change of season that blooms and glows, Wall and roof of it tempest proof, and equal even to suns and snows, Bright with riches of radiant niches and pillars smooth as a straight stem grows.
"Hospital Sketches"
Robert Swain Peabody