Some Account xvii
great. reputation which they have so long
and so justly obtained.
“ Having since that period frequently
revolved this subject in my mind, I am
now clearly of opinion, that a relish for
the higher excellencies of art is an ac-
quired taste, which no man ever possessed
without long cultivation, and great labour
and attention. On such occasions as that
which I have mentioned, we are often
ashamed of our apparent dulness ; as if
it were to be expected that our minds,
like tinder, should instantly catch fire from
the divine spark of Raffaelle’s genius. I
flatter myself that now it would be so,
and that I have a just and lively percep-
tion of his great powers : but let it be
always remembered, that the excellence of
his style is not on the surface, but lies deep j
and at the first view is seen but mistily.
It is the florid style, which strikes at once,
and captivates the eye for a time, without
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