" SUBJECT " IN ART.
[To THE EDITOR OF nI " SPECTATOR:] SIR,—" D. S. M." gives a pleasing hint that some day he will talk to us about " Subject " in Art. In the Spectator of March 18th this statement is laid down as an axiom, that " It is the dignity of the performance which matters, andmot that of the subject." It is easy to see that, so far as the eye is pleased, pictures of topers and " angels " may be of equal in- terest; but might I respectfully ask him whether it is not reasonable to hold that another element of greatness is added to the greatness of a picture when dignity of subject is added to dignity of performance, than in the case of simple dignified presentation of a mean subject P " Fra Lippo Lippi " appears to think so, when he says :— "God uses us to help each other so,
Lending our minds out. Have you noticed, now, Your cullion's hanging face ? a bit of chalk.
And trust me but you should, though ! How much more If I drew higher things with the same truth !
That were to take the Prior's pulpit-place,
Interpret God to all of you
I am, Sir, &a., B. A. BROWNING.
High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire, March 181h.
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