Previous Page Close Next Page

fol. 34v    'Truth not easily Discerned'  (Pt II, Sn I, Ch II)  (3.140)
[NG lecture]
      
      
      
     #32#< It may be here inquired by the reader , with <some> {much} appearance of
     reason  .
     why I think it necessary to write <h*.*> a thick volume merely to show
     what is truthful in art .    "Cannot we", say the public, "see what Nature
     is with our own eyes, and find out for ourselves what is like her."
 5   #33#If this were possible  - there would be no need of any teaching - nor of
     any criticism . with reference to art.         It will be <necessary> {as well} to make
     up our minds on this point before proceeding further, because - if - * >
     #35#
10   
      
      
      
15   
      
      
      
20   
      
      
fol. 35r    [fol. 34v, NG letter] 'Truth not easily Discerned'  (Pt II, Sn I, Ch II)  (3.140-41)
      
      
												12
     #36#< 			Chap.  II.
     #37#{Now}  I have just said that it is possible for every man . by care and
     attention . to form a just judgment of the accuracy of artists in representing
     truth .        To do this no peculiar powers of mind {are} required, no sympathy
 5   with particular feelings .  nothing <of> which every man of ordinary intellect
     does not in some degree possess .    because every man of ordinary intellect
     has powers of observation & intelligence , which . by cultivation . may
     be brought to a high degree of perfection and acuteness  .      But, until this
     cultivation has been bestowed -   and until the instrument. thereby perfected
10   has been employed in a consistent series of careful observation   , it is as
     absurd as it is audacious,   to pretend to form any judgment whatsoever
     <upon the matter> ^ {respecting the truth of art .}   And my <first> business - before
     going a single step farther .
     must be to combat the nearly universal error - among the thoughtless &
     unreflecting -  that they know . either what Nature is - or what is like her -
15   that they can discover truth by instinct - and that their minds are
     such pure Venice glass . as to be shocked by all treachery .     I have to
     prove to them that there are more things in heaven and earth than
     are dream't of in their philosophy -  and that the truth of Nature is
     a part of the <t>Truth of God -  *<darkness to him who does not search it out -
20   <but> {as it is} infinity to him who does> .
     The first great mistake that people make in this matter .  is the supposition
     that they must see a thing , if it be before their eyes  -  They forget the great truth >
      

Previous Page Close Next Page

MW