116 
consult the prints and works of Miclmel Angelo, 
Raphael, 
will find 
Carracci. In them you 
and purest evidence 05' 
and Hannibal 
the strongest 
style and character, 
Yet 
all 
differing 
from each 
other, 
and 
all 
brought 
out 
of 
nature. 
I do not recommend them with a. view that you 
should adopt the style and character of any of 
them ; 
but 
to show from 
those 
great 
examples, 
that 
style and cllaracter, 
ever founded 
although 
in nature, 
are as various as the individual genius 
of 
every artist ; 
that theyare as free to 
You 
they 
were 
to 
those 
masters ; 
that 
Y0u 
if 
will 
consult 
Y0ur 
OWI1 
mind, 
you will 
draw forth 
3 
style and character of 
your own, 
and 
therefore 
110 
man 
can 
CV61" 
excused for sinking into 21 
be 
mannerist. 
And Icannot omit to observe here, 
that 
in 
the order of your studies, your mental powers 
should be cherished and brought into action by 
reading and reflection, but not until you have 
acquired practical facility -in your art. Too 
often it happens, and I have seen it with 
concern, that the presumption of youth, or the 
errors of instruction, have reversed this order,