470 OBSERVATIONS ON SCULPTURE. 
Roman Matrons. The figure in general, is un- 
bending—the head erect—the expression severe 
—and full drapery envelopes the whole figure. 
Such is the statue which Benedict XIV. placed 
in the Museum of the Capitol, under the name of 
‘Flora of the Capitol,” and which is supposed to 
represent that Flora who was celebrated for her 
love of Pompey the Great. 
The fine collection of Statuary which was 
brought to Paris, as part of the spoil of conquered 
nations, has been the means of increasing our 
knowledge of Greek and Roman Sculpture. 
After the peace of 1815, on the application of 
the British Government, that of France, with 
distinguished liberality, allowed casts to be taken 
and brought to England, thereby enriching it with 
the finest models, and consecutively improving 
the national taste. 
I proceed now to make a few remarks on 
English Sculpture, which, considering the nor- 
thern temperament of its Patrons, and the de- 
structive qualities of our climate, has received 
considerable encouragement. Owing to the latter 
obstacle, specimens of art, in marble, are rarely 
exposed in the open air; and sombre casts in iron 
