432 On the Beautiful in the Grecian Statues. 
The artists. of later days ascend no. higher in 
the pursuit of the beautiful than the models which 
Greece.has transmitted to us. Have any of 
them-retraced the steps of the Greek artist in the 
formation of one celebrated statue ? Have they 
selected from individuals of approved form, 
whatever is most beautiful in each, and thus 
composed a more perfect whole. Until this be 
done, it is mere presumption to suppose that they 
will surpass the Greek, that with all the aid of 
the antients they will produce a more perfect 
model of beauty, that this second extract of the 
beautiful would more answer to our most perfect 
idea from nature. , 
There is reason to believe that the Grecian 
artists did select the most beautiful originals, and 
from what appeared to be most perfect in each, 
formed their mean. figure of the beautiful. It 
was, inasmuch as art.could execute, the summary 
of what nature had: dispersed in a variety of the 
best chosen subjects. . 
It is farther to be observed, and, if true, sary 
important to the purpose, that.no. climate, no state 
of society, no modes of life and; manners, were 
ever more happily adapted to thepreservation. of 
beauty, to the, production of the most beautiful 
and most perfect designs of nature. A happy 
temperament of elements, inviting to enjoy- 
ment, and also to exercise, activity and sportive- 
