DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.61893#0014
viii
PREFACE.
they are generally passed over in silence
and contempt, as shifting scenes or rather
mere figuranti in the political drama,
destined to occupy the attention for a time,
and to disappear when the principal cha-
racter shows himself upon the stage.
Of the state of painting and sculpture,
though these arts reflect so much lustre on
Italy, little is said*; an acknowledgment
which may surprize and disappoint many
readers. But, on the one hand, to give a
long catalogue of pictures and statues,
without explanatory observations, appear-
ed absurdand on the other, to execute
such a work in a becoming manner requires
leisure, technical information, and the
* JLittle is said of the arts, when the extent and im-
portance of the subject are considered; but much is
said in comparison of other Tours and similar com-
positions.
PREFACE.
they are generally passed over in silence
and contempt, as shifting scenes or rather
mere figuranti in the political drama,
destined to occupy the attention for a time,
and to disappear when the principal cha-
racter shows himself upon the stage.
Of the state of painting and sculpture,
though these arts reflect so much lustre on
Italy, little is said*; an acknowledgment
which may surprize and disappoint many
readers. But, on the one hand, to give a
long catalogue of pictures and statues,
without explanatory observations, appear-
ed absurdand on the other, to execute
such a work in a becoming manner requires
leisure, technical information, and the
* JLittle is said of the arts, when the extent and im-
portance of the subject are considered; but much is
said in comparison of other Tours and similar com-
positions.