The Art Revival in Italy

Extract

Professor Huxley, in his recent address to the students of Aberdeen University, drew attention to the growing desire for a knowledge of art and of art history, and trusted the day would not be far distant when a chair for this important branch of study wou ld be founded in each university and school of art throughout the length and breadth of the land. It is scarcely credible that, with the immense facilities within the grasp of the Royal Academy, this body has hitherto allowed the teaching of art history and æsthetics to be entirely neglected. And who will not agree that these two most important branches of an art education are simply a necessity? Historical painting—acknowledged to be the highest, most elevating, and instructive form of pictorial representation—can never attain that degree of excellence of which it is capable, unless the art student passes through a thorough course of historical teaching during his academical career. Many of the art monstrosities to be found in, and supposed to adorn, the metropolis, would never have been called into being had the study of æsthetics held a place in the academy curriculum.