Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1845-05-23
THE FINE ARTS.

In publishing, week or two since, some Sc
we're structures by Malta correspondent upon an
article in the National Inlelligencer, highly iau-
datoly OF Persico's "Columbus," We scarcely eA-
pecied 10 open SO rich mine Of iniormatlon'
touching the state OF he fine arts IN our young
Republic. We cheerluly give place TO lhe iOl-
lowing defence, because justice 10 iriend' "hoili
The writer regards as unjusy assalled, requires i
al our hands; and, secondly, because il is well
written and interesting criticism OF Jew u '''e
fruits OF the Fine Arts, OF which lhis country
can boast. Moreover, in many essential patic"-
lars, we agree with the views of The writer, VINO
is himself votary Of the muses-lhoush We
have seen nothing 10 change the positions we
took, in introducing our correspondent II. =
His criticism OF Greenough's Washington we
especially commend.
We should be most happy 10 see discussion
upon this Interesting topic occupying small cor
ner Of every newspaper. We have, il IS CERTAIN
latent talent enough in our country but II re-
quires some excitement 10 develop II. IL ou'
plodling money-makngp people woulddevo'e some
{ poII'H vi lnelT lllne ~ luh'ho II
Railaeles and Canovas Of America, and would
appropriate smallproporion Of their oreriio"i"S
Golfers iolhe encouragement OF our native ar''s's
10y the purchase oil their best works, a srea' SeP
would be taken in advancing the noble cause oil me
Fine Arts. No country presents richer or grand
rr beauties OF Nature, OF more brilliant a>socll-
tions, whence 10 draw true inspiration But the
finest talent the most soaring ambition VIII drooP,
without proper encouragement. lew oil the mas
ler.picces OF Powers or Crawford, brought 10
the personal notice OF our people, would not
only stimulate those native artists TO new and more
brilliant exerlions, but would excite general en-
lhusiasm on the subject and greatly tend 10 form
a pure national taste.
Let then, the question be slirred-lel America
do Justice 10 her own sons-let our wealthy
citizens take pride in fostering The talents OF our
native artists which thus far have been coldly
turned away from our own shores ard have
been forced 10 seek protection in England and
France. The growth of the Fine Arts must be
slow in tie United States; but we should not de-
las extending 10 hem all the protection in our
power. lhe treh3h say, that The Americans anu
the English canno appreciate The more elevated
works OF art-lhey conline themselves 10 The sra-
LITIGATION of their PERSONAL vanity, and ascend no
higher than the representation of their own lea-
lures in portraits md miniatures This, though
highly exaggerated, i, Ia certain extent, just
criticism. We Should al once sci 10 work, 10
prove ourselves worthy of a better compliment
Our magnificent rivcrs noble mountains, and
lovely valleys, are full Of poelical Inspiration
The glorious deeds of our heroes and statesmen
are as highly deserving IF The magic effect OF the
chiscl and the pencil, IS the Greek and Roman
Philosophers, Generals and even Tyranls, thai
have been handed down 10 pos'eiy.
All thai is necessary, is u keep The question
before the public mind and We shall he content if
We have, in Tie lcas! contributed 10 this end