Decorative Arts in Germany and France, 271 



copies from ancient masters, from Mr Martin's coloured 

 prints, the portraits of noble lords, &;c. &c., the sooner these 

 are sent to the glass-house, to be melted for some useful pur- 

 pose, the better. 



There is a school of glass-painting at Munich, fostered by, 

 the king with the utmost care. Professor Hess, one of the 

 most distinguished of the Bavarian artists, is inspector, and 

 under him there is another accomplished artist, who makes the 

 principal designs, and directs the works. 



We have here the secret of the superiority of our neigh- 

 bours in this and, as I have shewn you, in other ornamental 

 arts. What are our glass-painters as compared with those of 

 Munich ? Instead of being accomplished artists, they have 

 hardly a claim to the title at all. We complain of the im- 

 perfection of many of our decorative arts, but how can it be 

 otherwise 1 They are chiefly practised by individuals who, 

 however meritorious, have little claim to artistic knowledge. 

 The establishment of a school of design in every town in the 

 kingdom will not mend this ; the use of schools of design is 

 to educate persons who may execute the designs of artists. 

 To make designers, as is expected by many, except for infe- 

 rior purposes, is impossible. A classical education, a perfect 

 knowledge of the history of art, in fine, an educated mind and 

 a refined taste, are necessary to the designer for important 

 ornamental works ; and till it is made worth while for the 

 professors of these to follow the art, and till such persons are 

 employed, we must, of necessity, make what efforts we may, 

 be behind our neighbours in these ornamental arts, since they 

 avail themselves of the services of the finest talent within their 

 reach. 



To return to the Munich School of Glass-Painting. The 

 Director first prepares full size cartoons ; these he paints in 

 water colour (and I have nowhere seen more beautiful draw- 

 ings) : other cartoons are then prepared which may be termed 

 maps of the colours ; these are coarsely executed, but correctly 

 tinted ; the simple colours only are indicated ; thus a red robe 

 is painted of a flat red, the shades being left out, and so on 

 with the other colours. This map, so to speak, is put into the 

 hands of the glass-cutter ; he matches the tints from his stock 



