DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.870#0012
Convinced that this object would be best promoted, by confining his observations chiefly to the
character and execution of the different specimens in the above collection, and professing neither skill
nor practice in antiquarian research, he has abstained from offering any speculative opinions of his
own on the allegorical personifications of the different groups and figures, considering such an
enquiry as calculated rather to amuse the antiquary than to serve the interests of art; as in fact the
mere antiquity of a piece of sculpture can neither increase nor diminish the original excellence of its
composition; for, the Elgin Marbles would have stood as pre-eminent and unrivalled in truth and
perfection had they been executed but yesterday, as they now do after the awful lapse of two
thousand years. It is not intended, however, by the foregoing remarks to underrate the utility of
antiquarian pursuits, as doubtless much valuable information has been thereby obtained; but it is
that too prevailing practice of estimating works of art by their antiquity against which the Author
takes the liberty to protest; a practice which can have no other effect than that of paralysing the
efforts of British genius, and infusing into the public mind a contemptuous indifference towards
the productions of modern times.
That a laudable inclination to encourage modern art prevails amongst the great in this country,
is amply proved by the liberal institutions already established for that purpose, and any failure in
accomplishing, to the fullest extent, the patriotic and benevolent object which they have in view,
ought to be attributed rather to that fallibility from which no human plans are exempt, than to
any deficiency of zeal and generosity on the part of the noble founders.
If any difference of opinion exists among artists, in regard to the course that has been
pursued for carrying those beneficent views into effect, it neither becomes the dignity of the
character and execution of the different specimens in the above collection, and professing neither skill
nor practice in antiquarian research, he has abstained from offering any speculative opinions of his
own on the allegorical personifications of the different groups and figures, considering such an
enquiry as calculated rather to amuse the antiquary than to serve the interests of art; as in fact the
mere antiquity of a piece of sculpture can neither increase nor diminish the original excellence of its
composition; for, the Elgin Marbles would have stood as pre-eminent and unrivalled in truth and
perfection had they been executed but yesterday, as they now do after the awful lapse of two
thousand years. It is not intended, however, by the foregoing remarks to underrate the utility of
antiquarian pursuits, as doubtless much valuable information has been thereby obtained; but it is
that too prevailing practice of estimating works of art by their antiquity against which the Author
takes the liberty to protest; a practice which can have no other effect than that of paralysing the
efforts of British genius, and infusing into the public mind a contemptuous indifference towards
the productions of modern times.
That a laudable inclination to encourage modern art prevails amongst the great in this country,
is amply proved by the liberal institutions already established for that purpose, and any failure in
accomplishing, to the fullest extent, the patriotic and benevolent object which they have in view,
ought to be attributed rather to that fallibility from which no human plans are exempt, than to
any deficiency of zeal and generosity on the part of the noble founders.
If any difference of opinion exists among artists, in regard to the course that has been
pursued for carrying those beneficent views into effect, it neither becomes the dignity of the