The Harmonic Method in Greek Art. 49 



of tbe neck, by which the head is further detached from the trunk, 

 shows the independence of the higher intellectual system upon 

 the lower one of mere nutrition and the length of the limbs shows, 

 that the mind had ready obedience in locomotive power. Here 

 again we find the expansion of the higher faculties and the sub- 

 ordination of the lower. 



This principle that all the parts of any animal should corre- 

 spond to the whole, is the same adopted by comparative anato- 

 mists in their constructions. But in representing the human form, 

 the Grreeks had an insuperable advantage over the modern. Now 

 only were the opportunities for observation and comparison in- 

 fioitely better, from the habits and costume of the people, but the 

 Greek man himself was undoubtedly developed to a far higher 

 state of perfection, than has been done either before or since by 

 any other people. Jaine has given in his art in Greece a very ex- 

 haustive treatise on the mode of life and training which produced 

 such results, the perfect model and thence the perfect statue. It 

 is probable that we can never equal them in their particular 

 branch of sculpture, but by following the method practiced by 

 them, our own work will certainly be more perfect. 



We have something analogous to it in the training and improve- 

 ment in the breeding of horses. The heavy Clydesdale or ISTor- 

 man horse with massive limbs and muscles, at once suggests his 

 fitness for the laborers of Hercules, to whom he is analogous in 

 form, while the lithe form, clean limbs, broad front and quivering 

 nostrils of the English thoroughbred, or the Arab of the Nedjid, 

 suggests the warrior and hunter, the very Apollo of horses. With- 

 out doubt, as our jockeys are connoisseurs in the points of horse 

 flesh, so were the ancient Greeks in the points of man flesh, and 

 the method of their artists was based upon such knowledge, cul- 

 tivated by centuries of observation and experience. 

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