The artists repository and drawing magazine: exhibiting the principles of the polite arts in their various branches (4.1790)

D R A 87

*nd prefent life, where the rapid variations of modes
and dreffes, require an expertnefs, not expected from the
artift who treats antique fubje£ts. Suppofe, for infiance,
a Roman {lory : the mo ft general and beft known forms
of the Roman drefs muff be fele<£ted; not thofe of
very remote antiquity, not the minutice of the various
parts of drefs, their fafhions, and temporary tafte, even
in thofe times of which our informations is mod exprefsj;
the general idea, and the leading principles are thofe
mod applicate to fuch compofitions; and happily are mofi
readily to be procured. With regard to Gods and
Goddeffes, poetic authority, pi£turefque effe£t, and
apparent propriety, . muft unite, to render their habili-
ments appropriate, elegant, and ftriking.

However draperies may be applied, regard muft always
be maintained, to the quality and natural appearance of
the ftufF reprefented. For how can the eye diftinguifh
fattin, from linen,unlefs its gloffy effect be attended to?
unlefs the brilliancy and fparkling of its lights, be juftly
treated ? Since its fmooth texture cannot be felt, nor a
fpe£tator be informed of any of its qualities, except thofe
which are obvious, how is he to know it, and to call it
fattin, unlefs the painter's fkill evince it ? The fame
might be faid of every other manufacture, and although
we do not expedt from an artift, the fame intimate
acquaintance with infinite variety of drapery articles,
which is neceffary to a linen draper, or a mercer; or
that he fhould paint his laces precifely to a Bruffels
pattern, or to point, yet if he do not maintain an evident
diftin£tion, and peculiarity of character, he cannot claim
applaufe as a painter of drapery.

M 2 The