Decorative Arts in Germany and France. 265 



ing, and in his capital we may see numerous proofs of the re- 

 sults which a well-directed patronage of the arts can produce. 

 The Bavarian artists now enjoy an European reputation, but 

 it is much to be regretted that the zealous praise of some of 

 their admirers amongst ourselves has raised a feeling in some 

 of our artists, which displays itself in discreditable abuse in 

 those journals, the pages of which are particularly devoted to 

 art; thus we have on one side an admiration which, although 

 just, is too exclusive, and, on the other, criticism, which is in- 

 temperate and ungenerous. 



No comparison whatever can at present be instituted be- 

 tween the leading artists of Germany and those of this coun- 

 try : when our artists are, like the former, employed to paint 

 national monuments, then we may institute a comparison, 

 but, at present, none can with justice be entered upon. To 

 paint a single historical work, however large it may be, is one 

 thing, but to paint a series for a particular building, is quite 

 another ; it is possible that an artist may succeed in the single 

 picture, yet fail in the series. Where a comparison can 

 fairly be instituted, and that is between the cabinet pictures, 

 landscapes, and portraits of our School and of theirs, I think 

 that it cannot be doubted, that, in many respects, our artists 

 have the advantage, and we may entertain a warm expecta- 

 tion of success when they are called upon to execute works of 

 equal magnitude and importance with those of their conti- 

 nental brethren. 



The King of Bavaria has resolved that his capital and do- 

 minions shall contain monuments to rival those erected by 

 the magnificence or piety of former days, and he has to a 

 wonderful extent succeeded in his object. 



The manner in which His Majesty meets his artists is in- 

 teresting, and offers, I think, a useful lesson to our amateurs. 

 When he has resolved on the erection of a new church or 

 other important edifice, he summons an architect, painter, 

 and sculptor to his presence, and explains his wishes to them 

 either separately or together ; when the plans are ready, the 

 artists again meet their sovereign, and a council is held over 

 them ; he encourages them freely to express their opinions, 

 even when contrary to those expressed by himself. When 



