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20 such a proposition, the mere statement of which alone one would think is sufficient to expose its absurdity. If Europe then possesses, more and better means for the study of the Arts, than our own country, which I think will be admitted, and an artist improves those means to acquire knowledge in his art, and then returns to his own country, the effect upon his spirits, which I have described as likely to occur, in passing from a region of more taste, to one of less taste, is perfectly rational; he must feel disheartened; and this in reality is the case with every artist with whom I am acquainted, on his first return from Europe. There is not one such artist, I am confident, in the country, who will not give many proofs of the sinking effect produced upon his own spirits, by his frequent experience of the want of that discrimination which he values more than the price paid for his pictures, that judicious censure too as well as praise, that interest in what he is doing, that generous enthusiasm for works of art, which in Europe he finds pervading the well educated and refined portion of society, equally with those in his own profession. But the Reviewer's sentiments in different parts of his remarks on the state of taste in the country are somewhat contradictory. At one time he maintains that there is little or no difference between the state of taste here and in Europe; and at another that taste has yet to be created in the country. He says, "a very few years, therefore, are sufficient to do away with the difference between the taste of Europe and America. We have, in fact, made more progress in years, than other nations have in centuries, simply by adopting the fruits of their labors. It is very idle, then, for any one to think that by a few years' residence in Europe, he can so get the start of us, that his merit cannot be understood here." And again, "no attainments which are not sufficient to support and raise him into notice in Europe, will save him from neglect at home." But when he speaks against the propriety of artists' exclusively governing Academies, and pleads for the admission of connoisseurs to a share in their direc-
Transcription Notes:
Line 2 and 3 of the second paragraph are skipped. Please read starting But the Reviewer's- this is where the mistake occurs. (corrected)