The Artist's Repository, Or, Encyclopedia of the Fine Arts (Band 1): The Human Figure (London, 1808)

lect. ix.]

243

PLATE CV.

Fig. ]. Partly with design to correct a general
mistake which has prevailed respecting the character
proper to Bacchus, we have chosen to select an in-
stance of the form given to this deity by the an-
cient Artists, in which youth and beauty, and grace-
ful and tender proportions, are chosen to form the
representation of the enlivening God of Wine.

Fig. 1. A character of Silenus; which well
contrasts that of Bacchus : and appears to be
much nearer to the Bacchus of certain moderns.
The general air, as" well as form, of this figure, at
once impress themselves, on the spectator's notice.

We might remark on these two characters, that
the effect of wine is different, whether it be used for
refreshment, or indulged in to excess. To this dif-
ference the ancient Artists have attended ; and while
the deity seems to be merely enlivened by the
vinous beverage, the libertine shews in his form the
consequences of intemperate swilling, &c. he. on
his constitution and figure.

Fig. 3. The Apollo Belvidere.

Fig. 4. Mars. These two figures shew a dis
position to, and fitness for, exertion ; but exertion
of different kinds : lightness, grace, agility, cha-
racterise the first: strength, resistance, determina-
tion, force, characterise the second : each is pro-
per to its office, and employment.

I I 2 PLATE