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But when economy is so rigidly demanded, and is indeed of such imperious necessity in whatever relates to the proceedings of government, it is necessary to look to the means of effecting even a national object. And if what has been said may be thought worthy of regard, it is gratifying to know, that the means whereby may be wrought lie within a very small compass, allowing time to form a portion of those means; and low indeed must be the state of the public finances if it could be at all felt as a burden. If the government would devote two or three thousand pounds annually to the purpose, placed under proper control, all that relates to the palaces, the halls of parliament, and public offices, might progressively be obtained: and if our public corporations and great communities would but set apart from five hundred to one hundred pounds per annum, according to their several sources of wealth, as a fund for the purpose, every end required of them would in like manner be answered; and they would obtain their share of the honour and the respect due to those who assist in the cultivation of the fine and liberal arts.

Though this beneficial aid never has been, and perhaps never may be given to the art of painting in our country, yet we enjoy a fair source.

of national pride and satisfaction, in seeing to how great a degree of excellence it has been carried without it. The adventurous spirit and the zeal of artists themselves have done much to promote it, the strength of private patronage has been and is still administered in its behalf, and commercial speculation lends its active and useful assistance.

The former, must be dependent for its continuance upon the return it meets with from the public; it cannot go on far if unsupported, more particularly in historical painting: the risk in pursuing it is too great, and the evil in case of failure, too serious. Few of those who have made the venture, impelled by genius or by circumstances, and not having some other means of support, have succeeded in obtaining the common enjoyments of life, and some have been overwhelmed by misery.-The latter, the commercial aid, for I cannot dignify it with the title of patronage, may be safely left to take care of itself, to draw from the employment of art all the interest it can; and it well knows how to do so extensively. But those generous patrons, who find gratification in encouraging the efforts of artists, giving value to their productions and comfort and honour to themselves, merit their respect and gratitude in return; and it is in

cumbent upon all who practise painting professionally, to endeavour by every means in their power to increase the pleasure derivable from pictures.

The knowledge of the principles upon which the finest paintings have been produced, and by which criticism may be most securely and beneficially conducted, is one of the means conducive to that end. And since such knowledge can be obtained only by experience or by instruction, I would fain hope, that the publication of the following Discourses, in which I have endeavoured to render those principles clear and familiar, may be kindly received by all who delight in pictures, and are interested in the culture and success of the art of painting.

THOMAS PHILLIPS.

ERRATA.

Page 52. line 10. for "Gentile do Fabriano" read "Gentile da Fabriano."

Page 82, line 18. for “ Pinturuchio” read “ Pinturicchio."

Page 215. line 4. from bottom, for "Mr. Pine" read

"Mr. Penny."

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