The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-11-13
VANDALISM AT VENICE.

The poet Morris writes to the London Duly
Ne,os:-
have just received information. on the accuracy
OF which can rely that the restoration Of the west
front OF st. Marks at Venice, which has long been
vaguely threatened is to be taken in hand at
A commission is called for next month to examine
its state and TO determine whether it is to be
pulled down Immediately or to be allowed to
stand till next year. The fate OF such build
ing seems to me subject important enough
to warrant me in asking you to grant me
Space to make appeal to your readers to consider
what disaster is threatened hereby to art and cul
ture in general. Though this marvel of art and
treasure OF history has suffered some disgraces.
chiefly in the base mosacs that have suppanted the
earlier ones. it is in the main in genuine and
touched state and to the eye of any not
expert in building looks safe enough from any
thing but malice or ignorance; but, anyhow il
it be in any way unstable it is impossible to believe
that very moderate exercise of engineering skill
would not make it As sound as any building
OF its ago can be. Whatever pretexts may
be put forward therefore, the proposal to rebuild 1t
can only come from those that suppose that they
can renew and better 10y imitation) the workman
ship of it's details. hitherto supposed to be un-
rivalled by those that think that there Is nothing
distinctive between the thoughts and expression OF
the thoughts OF the men OF the twelfth and OF the
nineteenth centuries; by those that prefer GID
ing, glitter and bankness to the solemnity OF tono
and the incident that hundreds of years OF
wind and weather have given to the marble.
always beautiful, but from the first meant to grow
more beautiful by the lapse OF time; in short.
those only think the "restoration OF st. Marks
possible who neither know care that 1t has now
become work of art, monument OF history and
prominence Of st. Marks in all these characters,
for who even pretends to care about art his.
tory nature would call it in question; but will
assert that strongly as 1 may have seemed to
express myself. my words but feebly represent
the feelings of large body Of cultivated
men who will feel real grief at the loss that seems
immiAent-a loss which may be slurred over,
but which will not be forgotten. and which will
be felt ever deeper cultivation spreads That
the outward aspect of the world should grow
ugler day by day in spite of the aspirations OF
civilization nay. partly because Of its trumphs is
. grievous puzzle to some Of us who are not lack
ing in sympathy for those aspirations and triumphs.
artists and craftsmen we are SO grievOus 1t is
that sometimes we are tempted to say, LET them
make clean sweep Of it all. then; let forget it
all and muddle on Is best we may. unencumbered
with either history or hope! but such despair is.
we'll know, treason to the cause Of civilization
and the arts. and do best to overcome 1t and
to strengthen ourselves in the belief that even
small minority will at Last be listened to and Its
sonable opinions be accept. In this belief have
troubled you with this letter. and call all those
who share it to join earnestly in any attempt that
may be made to save us from an irreparable loss-s
loss which only headlong rsshness could make pos
sibe. Surely it can never be too late to pull down
st. Marks at Venice. the wonder OF tho civilized
world.