428 Fine Arts. 



larger proportion of mankind were, at the close of 

 the century under review, furnished with con- 

 venient, and even elegant habitations, than ever 

 before enjoyed the like advantage. 



The liberal use of Glass, in modern buildings, 

 greatly contributes to their beauty and comfort, 

 and is a point in which they peculiarly excel. 

 And in descending to the various minute details 

 of human dwellings, especially those which relate 

 to elegance and enjoyment, it is evident, that in 

 many respects the artists of the eighteenth cen- 

 tury exceeded all others. 



Our own country, during the period under con- 

 sideration, has furnished but few objects worthy 

 of being contemplated or recorded. Pursuits of 

 more immediate utility and profit have generally 

 occupied the attention of our citizens, and must 

 continue to occupy it, until their wealth and taste 

 shall be greatly augmented. That America is not 

 deficient in native genius for the fine arts, the 

 names of West, Copley, Trumbull, and Stuart, 

 before mentioned, abundantly testify; and that it 

 can boast of many artists who want nothing but 

 instruction, and incitements to exertion, to place 

 them in a very honourable rank, experience daily 

 renders more probable." A taste for the fine arts 

 in our country is evidently on the increase." 



X Among many names which might be mentioned to justify this remark, 

 it would, perhaps, be improper to omit taking notice of Mr. Vanderlyn, 

 a native of Ulster county, in the State of New-York. This young gen- 

 tleman very early in life discovered a taste for painting. For the purpose 

 of encouraging and cultivating this taste, he was sent to Europe, a few 

 years ago, under the patronage of Aaron Burr, Esq. now Vice-President 

 of the United States. He has lately returned to this city, and, in the esti- 

 mation of good judges, bids fair to be an honour to his country. 



a Though the institution of the Academy of the Fine Arts, in the city of 

 New-York, does not belong to the century under review; yet the author 

 cannot avoid taking notice of it in this place, as an event which marks the 

 growing taste of our citizens, does honour to tlie gentlemen who have ex- 

 erted themselves in forming and executing the plan, and bids fair to be on« 

 ©f the most elegant and interesting ornameBts of the ci;y. 



