Chap. X.] Fine Arts. 127 



amount. These have all subtracted more or les* 

 of the patronage which would otherwise have been 

 directed to the most deserving ; and thus, by obvi- 

 ous means, robbed the latter of no small share 

 both of fame and excellence. 



But if the eighteenth century were less distin- 

 guished than some preceding ages for producing 

 specimens of first-rate excellence in the fine arts, it 

 may safely be pronounced to exceed most other 

 -periods in forming numerous, large, and sj)lendid 

 collcclions of specimens of this kind. The monu- 

 ments of human genius, especially in painting and 

 sculpture, collected and displayed in the city of 

 Paris at the close of the century, Averc undoubt- 

 edly niore numerous and magnificent than had 

 been exhibited in one place for many ages *. 

 Next to these the Gollections of a similar kind in 

 (rermany, Petersburg, and Great Britain, -are en- 

 titled to high distinction for their extent and ex- 

 cellence. 



In several of the departments o-f the fine arts 

 there are a few names and improvements which 

 distinguish the eighteenth century, and which dc- 

 ser\e to be noticed in this retrospect |. 



* The violation committed on the treasures of the fine arts in 

 Italy, in the course of the late war, under the sanction of tUe 

 Prench government, while it certainly cannot be justitied on the 

 principles of national probity and honour, may, uerliaps, have an 

 unfavoui-able influence on the progress of the arts in France. 



t Several of the facts and names mentioned in this chapter 

 were communicated to the author by Mr. John R. Murray, of the 

 city e^ New York, a young gentleman o{ extensive mformation, 

 and excellent taste in the tine arts, who has just returned to his 

 iiative country, after making the tour of Europe, where he viewed 

 the noble collections which that part of the world affords, witii a 



