That Night Ride, With The
Moon And One Star Hanging Beautifully Over The Horizon, Was Pleasant.
There Is A Wild And Thrilling Excitement In Thus Plunging Through The
Mysterious Night In A Land Utterly Unknown.
Reached Erfurt at two in
the morning.
Monday, August 15. Erfurt to Eisenach by eight. Drove to the Wartburg.
LETTER XLIII.
DRESDEN.
DEAR: -
I went to Dresden as an art-pilgrim, principally to see Raphael's
great picture of the Madonna di San Sisto, supposing that to be the
best specimen of his genius out of Italy. On my way I diligently
studied the guide book of that indefatigable friend of the traveller,
Mr. Murray, in which descriptions of the finest pictures are given,
with the observations of artists; so that inexperienced persons may
know exactly what to think, and where to think it. My expectations had
been so often disappointed, that my pulse was somewhat calmer.
Nevertheless, the glowing eulogiums of these celebrated artists could
not but stimulate anticipation. We made our way, therefore, first to
the _salon_ devoted to the works of Raphael and Correggio, and
soon found ourselves before the grand painting. Trembling with
eagerness, I looked up. Was that the picture? W. whispered to me, "I
think we have mistaken the painting."
"No, we have not," said I, struggling to overcome the disappointment
which I found creeping over me. The source of this disappointment was
the thin and faded appearance of the coloring, which at first
suggested to me the idea of a water-colored sketch.
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