Слике страница
PDF
ePub

from a confused heap of contradictory observations, that do but perplex and puzzle the student, when he compares them, or misguide him if he gives himself up to their authority; bringing them under one general head, can alone give rest and satisfaction to an inquisitive mind.

DISCOURSE IV.

DELIVERED TO THE STUDENTS OF

THE ROYAL ACADEMY,

ON THE

DISTRIBUTION OF THE PRIZES,

DECEMBER 10, 1771.

DISCOURSE IV.

General ideas, the presiding principle which regulates every part of Art, Invention, Expression, Colouring, and Drapery.-Two distinct styles in HistoryPainting, the Grand, and the Ornamental.-The schools in which each is to be found.—The Com posite style. The style formed on local customs and habits, or a partial view of nature.

GENTLEMEN,

THE value and rank of every art is in proportion to the mental labour employed in it, or mental pleasure produced by it. As this principle is observed or neglected, our profession becomes either a liberal art, or a mechanical trade. In the hands of one man it makes the highest pretensions, as it is addressed to the noblest faculties: in those of another it is reduced to a mere matter of ornament; and the painter has but the humble province of furnishing our apartments with elegance.

This exertion of mind, which is the only circumstance that truly ennobles our art, makes the great distinction between the Roman and Venetian

« ПретходнаНастави »