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

WHO 143

Whoever is acquainted with the labour, the fkills
the attention, and circumfpection, neceflary in com-
pofmg and conducting works of art, will always in-
cline to applaud their general tenor and merit, rather
than by feledting particulars wherein all are fubjecl:
to be miftaken, to exercife the feverity of criticifm
on minor faults, and deprive a laudable performance of
its due, becaufe of thofe fpecks which fuch critics (and
perhaps fuch only) are unhappy enough to difcover;
while the more generous and candid obferver will ac-
knowledge the fatisfadtion he receives from the work,
and applaud the prevailing merit of the whole to-
gether.

OBSERVA-