$36 



most perfect, specimens of the latter, are 

 certainly the fine antique statues; which 

 being wrought upon the principles already 

 mentioned, approach as nearly as possible 

 to what Sir Joshua calls the central form : 

 that is, to general abstract nature, in oppo- 

 sition to particular individual nature. From 

 them the great Italian masters first learned 

 to generalize their ideas, on all that in any 

 way relates to their art ; and from them, 

 likewise, they acquired their notions of per- 

 fect, ideal beauty : but these two acquire- 

 ments, though founded on one principle, 

 ought, in my opinion, to be considered 

 in distinct points of view ; as from the 

 want of such distinction, beauty and 

 grandeur of character have been strangely 

 confounded. 



This will appear in a very clear light, if 

 we reflect, that the abstract method of con- 

 sidering; the human form and countenance, 

 extended to all ages and characters ; to the 

 ideal heads Of aged bards, lawgivers, and 

 philosophers, as well as to the youthful forms 

 of either sex : and therefore beauty, in any 



