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established by the Greeks for architectural decorations.

"It is the Elgin collection which has thrown light upon the subject of 'Basso-relievo;' and Eastlake has admirably demonstrated the principles of that branch of sculpture." I may add that Mr. Gibson has since stated to me, that he considered the paper on SCULPTURE quite as valuable and as important as that on "BASSO-RELIEVO."

In making this collection, I was glad to have an opportunity, in however humble a capacity, of connecting my own name with that of my friend. Though this is a matter in which the public have no interest, I trust the merits of the papers will be considered as a sufficient apology for my having induced Mr. Eastlake to revise, and Mr. Murray to publish, the present volume.

H. BELLENDEN KER.

1848.

THE reprint of this volume has been thought desirable. It is presented to the Public with very few alterations, and those chiefly taken from marginal corrections and paraphrases by Sir Chas. Eastlake in his own copy.

MARCH, 1870.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LITERATURE

OF

THE FINE ARTS.

No. I.

THE FINE ARTS.*

UNDER this term are comprehended those productions of human genius and skill which are more especially amenable to the decisions of taste. Of these creations, some have, from the first, been employed to embellish objects of mere utility; but all are, strictly speaking, independent of necessity, and, as regards their form and means, are addressed to the imagination. Their highest office is to meet ideas of beauty or sublimity, however acquired, by imitative or adequate representation, and, by powers of expression essentially their own, to awaken the nobler sympathies.

The aptitude of the human mind for receiving such impressions, whether directly from nature or

* [This article, and the Essay on "Basso-rilievo," have been reprinted from the Penny Cyclopædia, by permission of Mr. C. Knight.-ED.]

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