somewhat for the occupation of the fancy of the reader. And if indeed, the art of painting has merited the renown it enjoys; if it be truly, a gem glittering bright among those that adorn the protracted fame of nations; its superior value can arise only from the pure emanations of mind which have been displayed in its productions; and not from those exertions which merely display its manual perfections. This highly cultivated and refined class of art; this almost sacred source of all that is beautiful and excellent in works of imagination, must of necessity, like all other intellectual attainments, require some attention to its principles, ere it can be fully understood and enjoyed. But by first learning to admire, we learn to love and then to imitate; and then to impart the same pure spirit to works of original inspiration; at least we must perceive the beauty we would rival, ere our wishes can be accomplished: - and this perception is alike necessary for the patron who would comprehend what he encourages, as for the painter who emulates the excellence he admires. The great value of the art of painting, consists in the perfect purity and elevation of mind with which its highest efforts are conducted; its capability of aiding the pursuit of all that is most valuable to us, in common with poetry and with science; thus usefully and largely increasing the store of amusement and pleasure required by man in relaxation of the labours incident to his necessities. In all these points, it acts in correction of the grosser appetites of our nature; and aids in producing an amelioration of the earthly condition of man. It may be, it has been, vilely abused! employed to strengthen vice, by imagery gross and unseemly; so also has poetry been disgraced, but no one will say that either is the less estimable on account of the base and low-bred folly of those who have thus employed them. No, the ignominy rests on the artists who have so abused and misemployed their talents; not on the arts themselves. Like the passions, which the great Author of nature has implanted in his creatures; they are excellent in their use, but in their abuse, degrading and disgusting. Beautiful painting, like beautiful, or rather delightful music, is enchanting to the imagination. If it be good, and bear the stamp of ingenuity; skilful, and convey complete intelligence; pleasing, and present true and agreeable images to the eye, it merits our admiration! But when it pourtrays beauty, when it embodies thought, when it embraces sentiment, when it presents concentrated feelings which awaken sympathetic emotions within us; then, it assumes that exalted character, which entitles it to our highest estimation, and justly excites us to enthusiasm! Yet, be it remembered among us, that if our enthusiasm arrest examination, and subdue reflection within us, we must be content with the enjoyment it affords; for vain would be the hope of improvement from it, or of our ever becoming able to rival the works we so highly admire! E E |