DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.18825#0024
14 HISTORY OF ART. [LECT. I.
sciences, the Arts (in themselves truly honourable)
bv the depraved passions of mankind, have been pro-
stituted to infamous and detestable purposes; in
which they have rather been subjects of pity than
of blame.
That luxury and effeminacy were the ruin of
Greece, is not to be denied ; having forsaken good
morals, they became subjugated to the Roman po-
licy and power; their country was desolated, their
temples spoiled of their ornaments, and the capital
productions of their great masters were transported
to embellish the porticos of Rome.
Rome was the seat of universal empire, the mis-
tress of the world : into Rome flowed all that was
curious and costly ; many generous minds were there,
who prided themselves on their patronage of the Arts,
and who liberally rewarded the merits of professors.
That the Roman Artists attained considerable skill is
granted; but, notwithstanding their efforts to rival
their masters, the Grecian manner remained always
superior, and the Greek productions unequalled.
Why the Roman Artists did not equal the Greek,
may be answered, in some degree, by considering the
different government and conduct of the people.
The Roman commonwealth studied war, and was
backward in cultivating the politer studies ; and
when it did cultivate them, it was rather as a patron
than as a professor ; it commanded, and employed,
those who were already skilful, and rather paid their
merit than exerted its own efforts in pursuit of supe-
rior excellence.
An art, or a science, like a state, or a kingdom,
continues
sciences, the Arts (in themselves truly honourable)
bv the depraved passions of mankind, have been pro-
stituted to infamous and detestable purposes; in
which they have rather been subjects of pity than
of blame.
That luxury and effeminacy were the ruin of
Greece, is not to be denied ; having forsaken good
morals, they became subjugated to the Roman po-
licy and power; their country was desolated, their
temples spoiled of their ornaments, and the capital
productions of their great masters were transported
to embellish the porticos of Rome.
Rome was the seat of universal empire, the mis-
tress of the world : into Rome flowed all that was
curious and costly ; many generous minds were there,
who prided themselves on their patronage of the Arts,
and who liberally rewarded the merits of professors.
That the Roman Artists attained considerable skill is
granted; but, notwithstanding their efforts to rival
their masters, the Grecian manner remained always
superior, and the Greek productions unequalled.
Why the Roman Artists did not equal the Greek,
may be answered, in some degree, by considering the
different government and conduct of the people.
The Roman commonwealth studied war, and was
backward in cultivating the politer studies ; and
when it did cultivate them, it was rather as a patron
than as a professor ; it commanded, and employed,
those who were already skilful, and rather paid their
merit than exerted its own efforts in pursuit of supe-
rior excellence.
An art, or a science, like a state, or a kingdom,
continues