ste quite different, in kind, from that which reigns
in the public edifices in other countries. The more I see of Italy,
the more I am persuaded that the Italians have a style (if I may use
that expression) in every thing, which distinguishes them almost
essentially from all other Europeans. Where they have got
it,--whether from natural genius or ancient imitation and
inheritance, I shall not examine; but the fact is certain. I have
been but one day in the gallery, that amazing repository of the most
precious remains of antiquity, and which alone is sufficient to
immortalize the illustrious house of Medicis, by whom it was built,
and enriched as we now see it. I was so impatient to see the famous
Venus of Medicis, that I went hastily through six apartments, in
order to get a sight of this divine figure; purposing (sic), when I
had satisfied this ardent curiosity, to return and view the rest at
my leisure. As I, indeed, passed through the great room which
contains the ancient statues, I was stopped short at viewing the
Antinous, which they have placed near that of Adrian, to revive the
remembrance of their preposterous loves; which, I suppose, the
Florentines rather look upon as an object of envy, than of horror and
disgust. This statue, like that of the Venus de Medicis, spurns
description: such figures my eyes never beheld.--I can now understand
that Ovid's comparing a fine woman to a statue, which I formerly
thought a very disobliging similitude, was the nicest and highest
piece of flattery. The Antinous is entirely naked, all its parts are
bigger than nature; but the whole, taken together, and the fine
attitude of the figure, carry such an expression of ease, elegance
and grace, as no words can describe. When I saw the Venus I was rapt
in wonder,--and I could not help casting a thought back upon
Antinous. They ought to be placed together; they are worthy of each
other.--If marble could see and feel, the separation might be
prudent,--if it could only _see_, it would certainly lose its
coldness, and learn to feel; and, in such a case, the charms of these
two figures would produce an effect quite opposite to that of the
Gorgon's head, which turned flesh into stone. Did I pretend to
describe to you the Venus, it would only set your imagination at work
to form ideas of her figure; and your ideas would no more resemble
that figure, than the Portuguese face of Miss ----, who has enchanted
our knights, resembles th