PART I. OF TASTE. S3 



Contrast results from qualities being brought into combi- 

 nation which are of different natures. If they are opposite or 

 contrary in every respect, they produce discord ; if opposite or 

 contrasted in a few particulars only, the effect is striking, and 

 may produce either variety or harmony, or may serve to fix the 

 attention on some beautiful figure or object*. 



Variety is formed by the union of contrast with unifor- 

 mity, or, in other words, by bringing objects or qualities toge- 

 ther, which possess one quality in common, but in different 

 degrees. Thus variety in colours is produced by contrasting 

 different shades of the same colour together. Variety in forms, 

 by contrasting the same form of different degrees of magni- 

 tude — when another colour or another form is introduced, it 

 either produces discord or harmony. 



Variety is bounded on the one hand by sameness, and on the 

 other by diversity. The term Diversity is applied when many 

 kinds of forms, colours, and qualities are brought together and 

 represented in the same view ; joined with regularity y it pro- 

 duces monotony ; with irregularity, incongruity. The former 

 may be exemplified by placing together one of every kind of 

 form on a plain surface, or every colour upon a palatte or piece 



* This is practised on the face, by placing black patches in proper places. 



1 v\ r 



