DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6915#0140
98
sculpture:—alto-relievo; by flaxman.
science and taste. Indeed it may be confidently and truly asserted, that since
the days of Michael Angelo, no artist has produced a piece of sculpture
surpassing this in invention, composition, and appropriate expression. If we
compare the present design with the general examples of Monumental Sculp-
ture, we shall be better enabled to appreciate its relative and individual merit:
for in this, there is nothing common-place, vulgar, trite, or puerile : it is the
invention of Genius, and the execution of superior Art.
Every work of man that is truly admirable, must emanate from original
Genius ; for though instruction and industry may advance the human mind to
comparative eminence, yet they will never exalt it much above mediocrity.
Whenever the three are united, that dignified superiority of talent is produced
which leads to all that is great and glorious in Literature, Art, and Science.
Endowed with this faculty of soul, Homer and RafFaelle, Shakspeare and
Reynolds have immortalized their own names, conferred honour on their respec-
tive countries, and ennobled the human character. Michael Angelo and Milton
may also be properly classed with stars of the first magnitude in the hemisphere
of genius : in the primary constellation of which, a few others, of varied dimen-
sion, but real splendour, may be easily traced and identified.
" The Star of Genius must the light impart
That leads us to the promised land of Art." *
" The Christian religion," says Mr. Flaxman, " presents personages and
subjects no less favourable to painting and sculpture than the ancient classics."
To exemplify this remark, the artist has made a series of designs from " the
Lord's Prayer," calculated to illustrate every sentence and passage in that sacred
petition. Sir Francis Baring, a liberal promoter of the Fine Arts, has chosen
three of the subjects to be executed in sculpture as a family monument. One
of these is represented in the annexed Print; and the other two will be given
in a subsequent part of this work, with a more particular account of the whole.
* Shee's " Elements of Art." Canto 1.
J. B.
sculpture:—alto-relievo; by flaxman.
science and taste. Indeed it may be confidently and truly asserted, that since
the days of Michael Angelo, no artist has produced a piece of sculpture
surpassing this in invention, composition, and appropriate expression. If we
compare the present design with the general examples of Monumental Sculp-
ture, we shall be better enabled to appreciate its relative and individual merit:
for in this, there is nothing common-place, vulgar, trite, or puerile : it is the
invention of Genius, and the execution of superior Art.
Every work of man that is truly admirable, must emanate from original
Genius ; for though instruction and industry may advance the human mind to
comparative eminence, yet they will never exalt it much above mediocrity.
Whenever the three are united, that dignified superiority of talent is produced
which leads to all that is great and glorious in Literature, Art, and Science.
Endowed with this faculty of soul, Homer and RafFaelle, Shakspeare and
Reynolds have immortalized their own names, conferred honour on their respec-
tive countries, and ennobled the human character. Michael Angelo and Milton
may also be properly classed with stars of the first magnitude in the hemisphere
of genius : in the primary constellation of which, a few others, of varied dimen-
sion, but real splendour, may be easily traced and identified.
" The Star of Genius must the light impart
That leads us to the promised land of Art." *
" The Christian religion," says Mr. Flaxman, " presents personages and
subjects no less favourable to painting and sculpture than the ancient classics."
To exemplify this remark, the artist has made a series of designs from " the
Lord's Prayer," calculated to illustrate every sentence and passage in that sacred
petition. Sir Francis Baring, a liberal promoter of the Fine Arts, has chosen
three of the subjects to be executed in sculpture as a family monument. One
of these is represented in the annexed Print; and the other two will be given
in a subsequent part of this work, with a more particular account of the whole.
* Shee's " Elements of Art." Canto 1.
J. B.