§ 20. FRENCH DESIGNS. 201 



imitation which has justified the remark that Christian sculp- 

 ture " retrograded when it borrowed, in the sixteenth century, 

 the style of Pagan antiquity." 



France, it is true, was left far behind by Italy during the 

 1300 and following century; and was henceforward indebted 

 to her for aid in the highest branches of art ; but still she 

 continued to show great proficiency in decorative work, as we 

 learn from the palaces of her kings during the Kenaissance, 

 in the embellishment of which native, as well as Italian, 

 artists were employed. 



20. [But while mentioning the skill of the French in 

 design, it would be unjust not to speak with commendation 

 of that of Belgium, which is the more remarkable as it is not 

 confined to decorative art ; and every one will admit the high 

 position that country has taken in sculpture and the highest 

 branches of wood carving. 



Whatever praise may be justly bestowed on the modern taste 

 of the French, in certain branches of decorative art, and how- 

 ever much this may have been encouraged by them, still it is 

 not desirable that we should adopt from them all our models ; 

 for while many of their ornamental works are creditable, they 

 are too often deficient in breadth of st_yle, grandeur, and simpli- 

 city. They are also disfigured by elongated proportions, broken 

 outlines, and superfluity of ornament. Nor can an exaggerated 

 sentiment be compensated for by invention, fancy, or minute- 

 ness of detail. With great quickness of perception and a fond- 

 ness for effect, the French seem to appeal in their works to the 

 senses rather than to the feelings ; and to seek to captivate 

 rather than to command admiration. Their figures too offend 

 from a voluptuousness, theatrical treatment, a mock fierceness, 

 or an over-evident stamp of academic study ; and they fail in 

 ideality and elevated sentiment. They are also apt to appear 

 conscious of being looked at, and you feel sure, if they could 

 speak, it would be in French. Indeed, if Gallicism is found 



