DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.870#0040
30
that portion of the trapezius partakes of the same diminution in breadth. These points may appear
but trifles to a superficial observer, but they constitute, nevertheless, the true secret of that pliancy
which so amply distinguishes these matchless works from all others whatsoever.
The mutilated remains of the head and face, if viewed on the right side, are still sufficiently
perfect to denote its noble and decided character. " Os humerosque deo similis."
On the whole this admirable specimen of Grecian sculpture combines in such a transcendent
degree the various qualities of dignity in attitude, elegance and proportion in form, and anatomical
fidelity, that were it the only relic of that immortal school, it would be fully sufficient to confirm all
the records of their taste and skill, and to justify the observation of an ancient writer on the merits of
those great artists,
" Totamque infusa per artus
Mens agitat molem et magno se corpore niiscet."
When compared with the productions of a later date, such as the Apollo, Antinous, Meleager,
and the celebrated Torso, so much studied by Michael Angelo, its superiority is most forcibly
manifest. *
* That the Author is not singular in his opinion respecting the inferiority of the Apollo when compared with the Theseus, the
following extract from the evidence given before the Committee of the House of Commons will amply testify.
In that report it will be found that Sir Thomas Lawrence and Mr. Westmacott, in the true spirit of open and liberal conviction, and with
a candid relinquishment of early professional prejudices, gave their testimonies on that occasion in the following clear and unequivocal
manner. Mr. Westmacott, on being asked " in what rate he should place the Theseus, and the River God, as compared with the Apollo
that portion of the trapezius partakes of the same diminution in breadth. These points may appear
but trifles to a superficial observer, but they constitute, nevertheless, the true secret of that pliancy
which so amply distinguishes these matchless works from all others whatsoever.
The mutilated remains of the head and face, if viewed on the right side, are still sufficiently
perfect to denote its noble and decided character. " Os humerosque deo similis."
On the whole this admirable specimen of Grecian sculpture combines in such a transcendent
degree the various qualities of dignity in attitude, elegance and proportion in form, and anatomical
fidelity, that were it the only relic of that immortal school, it would be fully sufficient to confirm all
the records of their taste and skill, and to justify the observation of an ancient writer on the merits of
those great artists,
" Totamque infusa per artus
Mens agitat molem et magno se corpore niiscet."
When compared with the productions of a later date, such as the Apollo, Antinous, Meleager,
and the celebrated Torso, so much studied by Michael Angelo, its superiority is most forcibly
manifest. *
* That the Author is not singular in his opinion respecting the inferiority of the Apollo when compared with the Theseus, the
following extract from the evidence given before the Committee of the House of Commons will amply testify.
In that report it will be found that Sir Thomas Lawrence and Mr. Westmacott, in the true spirit of open and liberal conviction, and with
a candid relinquishment of early professional prejudices, gave their testimonies on that occasion in the following clear and unequivocal
manner. Mr. Westmacott, on being asked " in what rate he should place the Theseus, and the River God, as compared with the Apollo