Art, in a word, must not content itself simply with holding the mirror up
to nature, for it is a re-creation more than a reflection, and not a
repetition but rather a new song. As for finish, it must not be confused
with elaboration. A picture, said Mr. Image, is finished when the means
of form and colour employed by the artist are adequate to convey the
artist's intention; and, with this definition and a peroration suitable
to the season, he concluded his interesting and intellectual lecture.

Light refreshments were then served to the audience, and the five-o'clock-
tea school of criticism came very much to the front. Mr. Image's entire
freedom from dogmatism and self-assertion was in some quarters rather
severely commented on, and one young gentleman declared that such
virtuous modesty as the lecturer's might easily become a most vicious
mannerism. Everybody, however, was extremely pleased to learn that it is
no longer the duty of art to hold the mirror up to nature, and the few
Philistines who dissented from this view received that most terrible of
all punishments--the contempt of the highly cultured.

Mr. Image's third lecture will be delivered on January 21 and will, no
doubt, be largely attended, as the subjects advertised are full of
interest, and though 'sweet reasonableness' may not convert, it always
charms.




MR. MORRIS ON TAPESTRY


(Pall Mall Gazette, November 2, 1888.)