§41. COLOSSAL FIGURES. 241 



dome of the Bapistery of Padua. In those cases when it is 

 intended to give an impression of its own size, and does not 

 deceive the eye, the colossal figure is allowable ; and that of 

 the Saviour on the ceiling of the apse of S. Paolo at Eome, 

 like that of Monreale near Palermo, is impressive without in- 

 terfering with the proportion of the building. The eye is 

 aware of its size, and no longer makes it the standard ; and 

 there are besides other figures and objects which would cor- 

 rect the delusion, even if any were caused by it. But this 

 is distinct from the notion that size, either in the figaires, or 

 in the dimensions of a picture, is necessary for grandeur ; and 

 a recourse to this expedient is generally a sign of inability to 

 produce the effect without it. Size too may be obtained on 

 the smallest scale by the relative proportions of surrounding 

 objects; as, importance may be given to any subject in paint- 

 ings of moderate dimensions, quite as well as by covering 

 enormous masses of canvas with colossal figures. 



41. [Deficiency of taste, and a total misunderstanding of 

 proper sentiment, are frequently shown in the treatment of 

 funereal monuments. It is a mistake, and a disagreeable one, 

 to represent the person thus honoured as a dead corpse: 

 this can only convey a painful impression ; and it is not his 

 body which was honoured in life, but his virtues, his mind, 

 and the various qualities of his soul. The body is now in 

 its last resting-place — the grave; but should not be dragged 

 out of it to present an unseemly sight to the spectators, 

 and to be an improper subject for art; and, above all, 

 no skeleton, skull, or bones, should disfigure the monument, 

 by detailing the horrid consequences of death. Whatever 

 representation is given should have reference to the character 

 of the deceased when alive, or commemorate the affection of 

 his friends, and their regret at his loss ; and those sculptors 

 were right who alluded to some act of his life ; or with proper 

 religious feeling introduced him in a posture of devotion, as in 

 mediaeval times.] The portrait of an individual placed over 



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