Volume 1

Microcosm of London / [Anon].

Date:
[1808-1811]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Microcosm of London / [Anon]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    their heroic deeds would be thus commemorated, nor does it seem likely that they would have thought any fame or celebrity would be attached to such a record. It was, however, highly honourable to the names of both parties; for while it emblazoned the sovereign or soldier, by recording their heroic actions in that universal language which men of all nations can read, it created, or at least kept alive, a species of painting, which is universally admitted to be elevated above any other to which the artist can aspire, or the pencil be devoted; for it has been said and admitted by the first authorities, that historical painting should be the leading object of every man who is ambitious of distinguishing himself in the arts. This is the test by which the national character will be tried in future ages, and by which it is now tried by the natives of other countries. This is the great source from whence the rivulets of art flow, and from whence only is to be derived the vigour and character that truly ennoble them. To this is owing the peculiar excellence discoverable in the portraits painted by Titian, Raphael, Rubens, Vandyke, and many others; and Nicolo Poussin alone is a sufficient proof, what consequence and dignity may be introduced into it by the pencil of a man whose views are not confined to narrow limits. Indeed an artist ought always to be in possession of more than his subject calls for, or infallibly he will not have what his subject calls for. Much more might be said on this subject, but we have not room to expatiate on it. Previous to the institution of a Royal Academy, there was an exhibition at the Lyceum in the Strand. It was denominated The Society of Artists of Great Britain; and the profits were to be applied to the relief of distressed artists, their widows and children. In this place were exhibited some very fine productions by Mortimer and other of our most celebrated painters.