73 THE WORKS Of
Applying now the discourse to the academy of
St. Ferdinand, let us see what reason finds there
good or bad established for the profit of the nation.
The aforesaid academy began by design and mo-
delling, as all others, and the generosity of the
founder endowed it perhaps more amply than
any other academy in Europe. Many believe
that the fruit which it has produced abundantly
corresponds to its institution ; but as good has a
thing may be, it is always susceptible of improve-
ment, therefore it appears to me that something
could be rectified.
This academy is governed by those who
ought to protect it, that is to say, by counsellors,
who by their high birth, employments, and
circumstances, have not had an opportunity
os instrudting themselves fundamentally either in
works or concerning artists. They are those who
vote and accept or resuse persons who aspire to
the honour of being admitted into the academy.
Hence, favours do not depend on those who are
capable to judge of merit. It is, however, true
that these gentlemen, before they decide, hear the
professors in all things respe&ing art; but if they
are obliged to regulate themselves according to these
councils, their decision is uselefs; for what ufe can
it be to have the proportions of those who can^
not decide, and let those decide who cannot pro-
pose ? In all other academies of the world, there
are professors who vote and decide absolutely in
what respe&s the government of them, and as to
the merit of individuals and their works; and
the princes and nobles reserve no other privilege
to themselves than that of protesting and honour-