International Miscellany of Literature, Art and Science, Vol. 1,: No. 3, Oct. 1, 1850Various
Science
International Miscellany of Literature, Art and Science, Vol. 1,: No. 3, Oct. 1, 1850
Various
Art -- Periodicals; Literature -- Periodicals; Science -- Periodicals
"Chantrey believed that the mind and morals are improved by the
contemplation of beautiful objects." Who could have supposed it?
"Chantrey was convinced that variety in building, if under the guidance
of good sense and propriety, tends much to the beauty of a country." Is
it possible? "Chantrey believed that all which has been done may be
exceeded _when genius and ability are equal to the task_, for as Raphael
has surpassed the lay-figure art of most of his predecessors, so no
reason exists why Raphael should not be surpassed." Had he never spoken
again, this idea would have procured him a niche next to Francis Bacon.
The sculptor actually believed that even the glories of the past may be
outdone when there are genius and ability enough in the world to surpass
them! Will Mr. Jones favor us with the day and precise moment at which
this wonderful conception entered the great sculptor's mind? We should
like to record it. "Chantrey felt that the blind adoration of right and
wrong was likely to mislead the public." We really think we have heard
the remark before. "Chantrey referred every object to the Creator of all,
and admired without limit the works of the Great Artificer, from the
smallest leaf to the noblest production, and in his mundane calling
aimed at an imitation of that excellence of beauty which nature has
displayed." There is nothing like getting at the idiosyncrasies of the
famous. Since Chantrey, according to Jones, has set the example of
referring creation to a creator, and of studying nature when be wished to
imitate her, we can only trust that the practice may henceforward be
universally adopted. Chantrey was of opinion--no, we mistake, this is
Jones' own--Jones is of opinion that "although the literary education of
artists ought to be as extensive as possible, yet they may sometimes
require the assistance of those whose opportunities and abilities have
enabled them to make a deeper research." Finely said. Jones is a case in
point. We do not know the extent of his literary education, but whatever
it be, the assistance of Lindley Murray would, we are certain, be of
infinite service to him at this moment.
We forget how many thousands of pounds, poor Chantrey left to the Royal
Academy. Jones never tires of lauding the Academy by referring to the
munificent bequests; yet this, we repeat, is the return made by that
favored institution, in the person of one of its chief members, to the no
less distinguished and generous donor. The life of Chantrey would not
have been difficult in the hands of a moderately informed artist. "Dear
Jones, we wanted a man of taste (d--n taste), we mean judgment," and your
professed regard for your friend should not have rested content until it
had found one.
* * * * *
SONG.
BY R. H. STODDARD.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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