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THE USE RdVD A BUb-ii OF MUSE U1.11S. 57
of Danes and Swedes who visit it. This Museum contains in a
single building almost the whole works of this great scnlptor,
together with all the engravings and pictures having referenoe
to the =me. Very numerous though the statues and basreliefs
are, there is naturally a unity of style in them, and the
visitor as he progresses is gradually educated to an appreciation
of the works. The only objects in the building tending
towards incongruity of ideas are Thorwaldsen’s own collection of
antiquities and objects of art; but even these are placed apart,
and if visited, they tend to elucidate the tastes and genius of
the artist.
In somewhat the same may we may explain the ineffaceable
effect which certain other foreign galleries produce upon tho
traveller, especially those of the Vatican. This is not due
simply to the excellence of any particular works of art, for
in the Louvre or the British Mumum we may see antique
sculpture of equal excellence. But in tho principal Vatican
galleries we are not dist.racted by objects belouging to every
place and time. The genius of the classical age spreads around
us, and we leave one manifestation of it but to drink in a deeper
impression from the next.
I hardly know anything in this kingdom producing a like
unity and depth of effect. No doubt tho gallery in the British
, Museum appropriated to the Elgin and other Greek sculptures
presents a striking unity of genius well calculated to impress
the visitor, provided he can keep clear of the hsyrian bulls
which are so close at hand, and tho great variety of Egyptian
and other antiquities which beset his path. It is in the Crystal
Pakce, however, that we find the most successful attempt to
carry the spectator back t.0 B former stage of art. The Pompeian
House is the best possible Museum of Roman life and
character. For a few minates at least the visitor steps from
the present; he shuts out the ago of iron, and steam, and
refreshment contractors, and the like, and learns to realiee the
paet. aS to the Alhambra Court, it is a matchless lesson in
-
art and architecture.
Everybody must have felt again how pleasing and impres-
= sive is the Hampton Court Palace, with its gardens and