[*207] Nothing is dangerous to genius, not even mediocrity.
[*208] This term applies to the science of medicine, not to æsthetic.
[*209] Titian can be seen to advantage only in Madrid, Paris, Vienna, or London. In Venice he is almost absent.
[*210] After all, Dennistoun is on the side of the angels—though a little unctuously.
[*211] One of the sad days. Cf. [vol. II., p. 95, note *1].
[*212] An undue sense of right seems to have led Dennistoun to the brink of an absurd precipice. Why should not the orgy or crime of a worthless man, make as good a picture as the orgy or crime [or the good deeds either, for that matter] of the worthy man? Poetry surely would seem to confound him here.
[*213] Art does not desire more than nature, but more than an imitation of nature. The artist should create life, not imitate it.
[*214] Francesco Maria may have called, but Titian did not come to Urbino. The first commission he had from the Duke was in 1532, when he was asked to paint as good a portrait of Hannibal as he could and a picture of the Nativity. They were delivered in 1534. The Duke wanted then a portrait of the Duchess, and asked Titian to paint it on his way to Naples. This journey, however, never took place. If Titian had any sittings, it was at Murano during the Duke and Duchess's sojourn there in the autumn of 1537.
[*215] I know nothing of this oratory, and cannot find it.