Eastern times., 1854-03-23
Nature and Art, :

Nature and Art.
There exists an intimate relation between
Nature and Art. 1t has been truly observed
that Art, of whatever department, is only a
painful tOiling after nature; where she works
with freedom and ease, Art labors, hampered
with difficulty. The fine arts owe their choic-
est beauties TO taste for the contemplation of
Nature. The imagination also borrows large
ly from rural scenes. The generality of paint
ers and sculptOrs, as their skill increases, grow
more and more delighted with every view of
the animal and vegetable world. Thus Mi
chael Angelo was accustomed TO spend much
Of his time in the extensive gardens and pleas.
ure grounds which the muniicent Lorenzi de
Medici opened TO the citizens of Florence.
And here it was, amid statues, busts, bas-re-
liefs, and other antique sculptures, and sur
rounded by beautiful fowers and rare exotics,
that he first evlnced indications of that mighty
sculptural genius, which, in his after giant ca-
reer, reached from the bas-relef of the Cen
taus, TO the lofty and serene grandeur of the
Moses and in painting, from St. Anthony
beaten by devils, to the Last Judgment. Ma
ture was also the constant object of study with
Claude Lorraine and the result Of his ohser-
vations he transferred to canvass with unri-
vailed felicity Rembrandt-the great Shak-
speare Of painting-lived on The banks of the
Rhine, and drew from the sublime scenery
around him, drafts of richest inspiration. The
wild, brilliant fancy of Salvador expatiated
amid the rich forest scenes Of the Apprentices !;
and the highest efforts of pictorial skill achieved
by The great Italian painters, Giorgone and
Titan, are traceahe to their passionate love Of
Nature.
It is pleasing TO notice how naturally and
how nobly the pleasures and scenes Of rural
life have ever mingled with the lives of the
good and great. The vefdani lawn, the shady
grove, The variegated landscape, the boundIess
ocean, and the starry armament, have ever
been contemplated with feelings Of delight BY
men whose minds are elevated in sentiment.
and devout in affections. Thus old Walton,
while at his favorite pastime, and cheered by
the singing of birds and the sighing of winds,
was wont to ejaculaie-'L Lord, what music hast
thou prepared for thy saints in Heaven, when
thou afordest bad men such music on earth =
! Cowper was accustomed to walk amid the
Ieafy shades Of Western Grove, aud write
verses upon pieces of bark, Or read from book
which he constantly carried with him and he
used 10 remark that what he read at his fire.
side, he soon forgot; but what he read under
hedge, or at the side Of pond, that pond
and that hedge would always bring TO remem-
brance. Thompson delighted to lean from his
window at Richmond, and listen to the night
ingale's notes heard on the far-off heath. The
poetic genius of Robert Burns blossomed forth
amid the wild rugged scenes of Mount Oil
phant and often, Of fine summer day, did
he walk half dozen miles, to pay his respects
to Leglen Wood, with as much enthusiasm as
ever pilgrim did to Loretto. Far away from
the confusion and hubbub Of Parisian life, and
examining from the heights Of Saverne the en-
chanting country which discloses itself from
that magnificent point Of view, on both sides
Of the Rhine, the human heart Of Mirabeau
forgot its ambitious longngs /; and he felt that
TO till the kind earth-to walk on the lofty
mountain tops, 10 listen to the ripple Of brooks,
and drink in the fresh healthfulness of nature's
peace, was the true destination Of mankind.
Cicero was not only an ardent admirer Of Ma
ture, but he strove TO cultivate an intimate ac-
quaintance with her manifold wondets and
beauties. Often did he retire to the silent
| groves of his own native Apirnam, or wander
amid the noble scenery Of the Volscian Hills,
and there give himself up 10 his own great
thoughts and profound reflections. Shak-
speare's hearty sympathy with rural life and
country sports is abundantly testified in his
writings. The beautiful rnrality encompass
woods, and grassy lanes and s)vesed streams
the near and picturesque cities Of Warwick
and Coventry-the feudal grandeur of Kenil-
worth-the monastic ruins Of Eversham-and
the primitive pastoral manners OF the people
amongst whom bis youth was passed, must
have vividIy colored and impressed The general
tone and character of his mind. r7sr
Bot The taste for natures beauties is snbser-
Went TO higher purposes than those at present
referred to and the cultivation of it not only
refines, but dignifes and exal,s the affections.
Truly has il been remarked that skepticism
and irreligion are scarcely compatible with the
sensibility Of heart which arises from just
and lively relish Of the wisdom subsisting in
the world around US, and emotions of piety
must spring up spontaneously in every bosom,
in unison with animated nature for,
&C. Who can forbear to smile with nature ;
Can the strong passions in the bosom roll,
While every gale is peace, and every grove
Is melody :"
Surely rot Nature Is the great re6ner Of
the soul and TO know her intimately, and to
be well acquainted with all her methods Of
working, is the surest way TO be saved from
the falsi.ies and imposilions Of man. A moral
character attaches itself TO all her va