SECOND ADVERTISEMENT.

In number 12 bis we announced the impossibility of publishing methodically the pictures and statues of the MUSEUM OF PAINTING AND SCULPTURE; it will indeed be easily conceived, that if we had commenced by giving all the pictures of the ancient schools of the xvth and xvi1h centuries, it might have appeared fastidious to some persons who may consider it more agreeable to find them intermixed with modern compositions, the engravings of which are frequently too dear to be purchased by all classes of amateurs. It might not either be very agree able to receive ten numbers following exclusively containing the pictures of Rubens or Paul Veronese; perhaps even Raphael, the sublime Raphael himself, would not be so welcome if multiplied so rapidly; whilst in continually varying them, in placing a picture of Poussin by one of Mignard, Albane by Ostade, Carrache by David, each subscriber is almost sure to meet with something that accords with his peculiar taste; and this same variety will enable them to compare the difference between these masters in their way of composing and designing. All are equally good, all may serve as models, all are classic and fit to inspire young artists; but no one ought to be servilely copied, since, as it is unfortunately in our essence to remain always below our model, he who endeavours to imitate the style of a master falls into his manner. A painter ought, on the contrary to possess a character of originality, entirely his

own, but he should prevent himself from being borne away by a fantastical exaggeration which is sometimes sought to be excused by dignifying it with the singular name of

romantic.

Many persons appeared to fear that the size of our work would prevent us publishing large pictures: we have triumphantly refuted that idea, in having given the Sabines of David, and Girodet's Revolt of Cairo. Although it is a difficult attempt to place so many figures in so narrow a compass, the engraver has succeeded in a manner which has left nothing to be regretted on account of the diminutive space to which he has been confined; we have not thought proper to adopt the objectionable method too often followed of giving such dimensions to the plate that it becomes necessary to fold it, two or three or even four times, because the foldings soon become so worn that they tear, and portions of the subject are rendered defective. It is not then for the interest of the editor, but entirely for the interest of the subscribers, that large pictures should be given without changing the dimensions of the plate; besides, for what reason should it be difficult or inconvenient to engrave within the space of four inches the Battles of Alexander by Le Brun, or any large pictures because they contain one hundred and fifty figures whose stature may be six feet, when no surprize is excited in seeing a Kermès by Teniers, a Fair by Breughel or an Army in march by Callot, whose numerous figures in the original pictures are only eighteen or twenty lines high and are enclosed within the space of a few inches?

The subscribers have already been presented with several specimens from the duke of Dalmatia's collection,

ADVERTISEMENT.

III

and they have unquestionably regarded them with the more interest, as the productions of the spanish school are but little known; and the pictures also that we have given were never before engraved. We shall present them speedily with several which decorate the halls belonging to the Councils of state in the Louvre, and also with cabinet pictures which, although confined to private collections, are full of as much interest as the grand compositions of the public galleries.

As many of our subscribers will doubtless wish for a methodical classification which may be of use to them when the work is finished; we shall present them with several tables which may serve them as a guide in method to which they may give the preference.

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The reception with which our numerous subscribers have honoured the publication of the Museum, is an obligation upon us to continue it with the same care; and we hope that the public will always find that we are ever anxious to give it satisfaction. The editor even has not hesitated increasing his expenses: the engravings from the 26th number will be upon steel, consequently they will be more finely finished and give a much greater quantity of good impressions.