The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-02-18
BOSTON observation-disclosures THE
SCULPTOR.

Here is Magazine, of which, as New Eng
land man we feel proud. The second, the num-
Der for February is before us, and fully answers
our expectation. The typographical execution is
beautiful in the extreme, and the three steel en-
cravings by Andrews of superior beauty. Edward
and A. II. Everett have articles in the NUMBER
J. r. Lowell, has contributed largely 10 the pocl-
cal department.
"American sculp,ors in Italy," by Edward
Everett is continued This number relates 10 our
own Powers. Mr. +. alier introducing the article
from the Giornole .Arcaaio, by Professor Mig
larn, which we published last week, says:
The foregoing estimate Of the talent Of our dis
linguished countryman becomes still more sa;is
factory, when we reflect that it is characteristic
of the Italians, remarked upon two centuries ago
by Nlilton,* not TO be forward to bestow written
encomiums on men Of this side the Alps. -
We have not the least wish 10 receive ungIacous-
" the praise Of Mr. Migarlni, which, we are sure,
is bestowed in good faith and with good will; but
it il not only not the language of "A panegyris, but
evidently framed with some care TO avoid shock
ing national paraIites, and the sensiblity of emf
nent contemporaries, among his own counrymen
lie weighs every word in the golden scales of a
learned criticism; und yet not only institutes an
elaborate comparison between Mr. Powers case
ard that Of L!siPpus, but Justly states that the case
of our country men, in attaining so highs degree Of
excellence no, only without n master properly so
called, but without tina advantage Of general con-
temptation Of the works Of other sculp,ors, is piih-
out a parallel.
A few statements in Mr. Migiinrin's article in
vile one or two words by way Of explanation.
The mechanical exhibition at Cincinnati, in the
construction and superintendent Of which Nh Pow
ers passed some years Of his youth, though SEEM
inply an humble field. required high degree Of
talent Nothing could be more successful in lis
way. no great proof, it is true, of merit Mr. Pow
ers layshed on the wax-work figures and groups
the first energies Of that plastic skill which will
! live forever in his marble. Some of his moving
| figures were brought 10 perfection by months OF
assiduous labor, and the application OF the most
ingenious mechanical contrvanccs. There Is no
doubt that his noyIciale in his humble sphere was
an excellent school for the development OF the me-
chanical SKILL which he possesses liz an cmlneu'
degree. lie was, Mt later period, employed by
Maezel TO repair some Of his authurnain. Mr. Mig
linrini alludes to the readiness with which MIR Pow
er, contriyed new instruments Of sculpture, when
those in common use failed 10 give him The effect
which he desired 10 produce. lie has invented and
manufactured several such instruments, both for
The clay and marble, TO the use Of which may be
ascribed portion of the wonderful sollness which
he gives TO his flesh.
Il is stated by Mr. Migliarlni, that Mr. Powers
represents in his marble the "porostes and ha-
biiual wrinkles of the skin" Without explanation
statement like tins would convey an erroneous
idea Of his manner Should Mr. Powers become,
AS he already is, at some entent,-,hs aoknowl-
Reason ofChurch Government urged s7ainst Pfclasss