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him, so far does this figure exceed all other figures 
of the.same divinity. His stature is more than 
human, and his attitude expresses majesty. An 
eternal spring, like that of Elysium, diffuses the 
beauty of youth over the manly perfection of his 
frame, and gracefully displays itself in the noble 
configuration of his limbs. We must endeavour to 
penetrate into the empire of incorporeate beauty ; 
seek to become creators of a celestial nature, in 
order to elevate the soul to the contemplation of 
such supernatural perfection ; for here is nothing 
mortal, nothing subject to the wants of humanity. 
This body is neither warmed by veins, nor agitated 
by nerves. A celestial spirit, diffused like a gentle 
stream, circulates, if I may so express myself, over 
the contour of this figure. He has pursued Python, 
against whom he has bent, for the first time, his 
tremendous bow; in his rapid course he has over- 
taken him, and given the mortal stroke. In the 
fullness of sublime satisfaction, his august aspect, 
penetrating into infinity, extends far beyond his 
present victory. Disdain is impressed on his lips ; 
the indignation he breathes inflates his nostrils, and 
mounts even to his brow. But unalterable peace 
is seated on his forehead, and his eye is all sweet- 
ness, as if he were now surrounded by the Muses, 
eager to offer him their caressing homage. Among 
all the representations of Jupiter that have reached 
us, there are none in which the father of gods seems 
so nearly to approach that dignity, in which he 
once manifested himself to the intelligence of the 
poet, as in this portrait of his son. The individual 
