Architectural Gardenins'. 



137 



we be somewhat impregnated with 

 those exalted feelings which inspired 

 the genius that wrought at the mar- 

 ble. These feelings can be cultivated 

 only by an intimate association ^vit'n 

 the works of the great artists. Not 

 nnfrequently have we observed, those 

 pretending to be connoisseurs, too, 

 looking at a beautiful figure, almost 

 faultless in truthful expression and 

 graceful swelling outline, with a sto- 

 ical indifference, that quite puzzled 

 us to comprehend. Others again, who 

 place a proper value on art, contend 

 that it is absurd and ridiculous to 

 place a statue out of doors, exposed 

 to all weathers. If there is any ab- 

 surdity in the remark, it consists in 

 the expression of sympathy for un- 

 ■ draped figures, carrying the simili- 

 tude to humanity beyond reason. 

 What lends such exquisite poetry to 

 'the landscape as a " Venus, wooing 

 you from the top of a Doric column," 

 surrounded by other architectural 

 features ; or a Vase of classic mould, -from whose side depends 

 bright foliage and delicate flowers. 



Statuary should not be looked upon as simply ornamental appen- 

 dages to the pleasure ground, but also, as instructive remem- 

 brancers of the birthplace of impulsive enthusiastic genius ; the 

 biding place of men with conceptions beyond the ordinary herd of 

 which they formed a conspicuous part. Men who lived only for 

 their heaven- 

 inspired pro- 

 fession, and 

 who breath- 

 ed an atmos- 

 phere radi- 

 ated with 

 beauteous 



