DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.43161#0010
2
All artists are distinguished by different powers. One arrests the eye
at a distance, another solicits a close examination; one excels in landscape,
another in buildings, and a third in figures; while each maintains that original
character which constitutes his peculiar charm. The rude romantic scenery in
which Salvator Rosa delighted; the enchanting aspects of Nature which dis-
tinguish the works of Gaspar Poussin; the space, almost measureless,
“ Where an hundred realms appear,”
rich in every variety of foliage, seas, and lakes, splendid palaces, and ruined
temples, which ennobled the genius of Claude Lorraine,
“ Whate’er Lorraine light-touch’d with softening hue,
“Or savage Rosa dash’d, or learned Poussin drew:”
however diversified, their works respectively display intrinsic excellence and
peculiar beauties, establishing an undisputed title to their high celebrity.
In art, as in all knowledge, there are no mysteries, no secrets discoverable
by genius only. The entrance on every scientific pursuit may appear somewhat
uninviting, and the requirements of mechanical labour, combined with close
application, discouraging conditions; yet each progressive step will afford ample
amends for every exertion in surmounting difficulties, were those difficulties even
more formidable than they really will be found.
Want of talent and want of taste are common lamentations and common
excuses, but wonders will be achieved by the lowest ability, if assisted by un-
remitted diligence. “Nothing is denied to well-directed labour; nothing is to
be obtained without it.” There must be an assiduous, ardent devotedness,
with a firmness of purpose, absorbing the whole mind; never rambling, but
All artists are distinguished by different powers. One arrests the eye
at a distance, another solicits a close examination; one excels in landscape,
another in buildings, and a third in figures; while each maintains that original
character which constitutes his peculiar charm. The rude romantic scenery in
which Salvator Rosa delighted; the enchanting aspects of Nature which dis-
tinguish the works of Gaspar Poussin; the space, almost measureless,
“ Where an hundred realms appear,”
rich in every variety of foliage, seas, and lakes, splendid palaces, and ruined
temples, which ennobled the genius of Claude Lorraine,
“ Whate’er Lorraine light-touch’d with softening hue,
“Or savage Rosa dash’d, or learned Poussin drew:”
however diversified, their works respectively display intrinsic excellence and
peculiar beauties, establishing an undisputed title to their high celebrity.
In art, as in all knowledge, there are no mysteries, no secrets discoverable
by genius only. The entrance on every scientific pursuit may appear somewhat
uninviting, and the requirements of mechanical labour, combined with close
application, discouraging conditions; yet each progressive step will afford ample
amends for every exertion in surmounting difficulties, were those difficulties even
more formidable than they really will be found.
Want of talent and want of taste are common lamentations and common
excuses, but wonders will be achieved by the lowest ability, if assisted by un-
remitted diligence. “Nothing is denied to well-directed labour; nothing is to
be obtained without it.” There must be an assiduous, ardent devotedness,
with a firmness of purpose, absorbing the whole mind; never rambling, but