DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.1330#0158
THE INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS.
The visitor to the Great Exhibition may
search in vain through the whole length and
breadth of the vast edifice for works more truly
beautiful of their class, than those contributed
in handicraft, cease to be manufactures, and are
entitled to be classed, absolutely, among works
of Art; but we are too apt to draw the line of
distinction between the artisan and the artist,
where none, in truth, should exist. Thus, for
instance, if one man sculptures a large figure
or ornament in marble he is ranked with the
latter; while, if another does a similar work on
a diminutive scale, in some metal or in wood he
most frequently finds himself placed in no higher
grade than the former, without any regard to
the real excellence of the work that either may
by M. Froment-Meurice, the eminent goldsmith
and jeweller of Paris. There is a certain point
at which the productions of the industrial artisan,
as we are accustomed to call every one engaged
have performed. This is an injustice of com-
paratively modern date; it was not practised
centuries ago, when the respect due to art of all
kinds was greater than it is now. It was not so
much the "Perseus" of Cellini, that won that
accomplished sculptor his rank, as his salvers,
and his cups, his dagger-hilts and sword-handles,
—these it was that made the artist. Wherever
mind is brought to bear upon matter, so as to
leave upon it the impress of genius, not mere
130
The visitor to the Great Exhibition may
search in vain through the whole length and
breadth of the vast edifice for works more truly
beautiful of their class, than those contributed
in handicraft, cease to be manufactures, and are
entitled to be classed, absolutely, among works
of Art; but we are too apt to draw the line of
distinction between the artisan and the artist,
where none, in truth, should exist. Thus, for
instance, if one man sculptures a large figure
or ornament in marble he is ranked with the
latter; while, if another does a similar work on
a diminutive scale, in some metal or in wood he
most frequently finds himself placed in no higher
grade than the former, without any regard to
the real excellence of the work that either may
by M. Froment-Meurice, the eminent goldsmith
and jeweller of Paris. There is a certain point
at which the productions of the industrial artisan,
as we are accustomed to call every one engaged
have performed. This is an injustice of com-
paratively modern date; it was not practised
centuries ago, when the respect due to art of all
kinds was greater than it is now. It was not so
much the "Perseus" of Cellini, that won that
accomplished sculptor his rank, as his salvers,
and his cups, his dagger-hilts and sword-handles,
—these it was that made the artist. Wherever
mind is brought to bear upon matter, so as to
leave upon it the impress of genius, not mere
130