If I Was Allowed To Find Fault With
The Performance, I Should Pronounce It Defective In Dignity And
Sentiment.
It is the expression of a peasant rather than of the
mother of God.
She exhibits the fondness and joy of a young woman
towards her firstborn son, without that rapture of admiration
which we expect to find in the Virgin Mary, while she
contemplates, in the fruit of her own womb, the Saviour of
mankind. In other respects, it is a fine figure, gay, agreeable,
and very expressive of maternal tenderness; and the bambino is
extremely beautiful. There was an English painter employed in
copying this picture, and what he had done was executed with
great success. I am one of those who think it very possible to
imitate the best pieces in such a manner, that even the
connoisseurs shall not be able to distinguish the original from
the copy. After all, I do not set up for a judge in these
matters, and very likely I may incur the ridicule of the
virtuosi for the remarks I have made: but I am used to speak my
mind freely on all subjects that fall under the cognizance of my
senses; though I must as freely own, there is something more than
common sense required to discover and distinguish the more
delicate beauties of painting. I can safely say, however, that
without any daubing at all, I am, very sincerely - Your
affectionate humble servant.
LETTER XXIX
NICE, February 20, 1765.
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