It is an interesting study of human nature to watch a mixt crowd
as they pass through a gallery of pictures. Some simply express
admiration at everything; sure that they must be good, or they
would not be there, they feel safe in giving indiscriminate
praise. Others spice their approbation with occasional
criticism. Some utter impulsively their first impressions;
others, more timid, look silently upon all. The few who, being
true artists themselves, are best qualified to judge, are
usually the most reticent. Indeed, they seem more occupied in
studying than in judging, and more anxious to understand what
they see than either to criticize or to flatter. Doubtless,
however, the majority of these spectators are secretly conscious
of their real incapacity to pronounce judgment, and the wisest
of them will refrain from doing so, however willingly they may
express whatever pleasure or preference they feel. They know
they are there for their own gratification or improvement, not
to pass sentence upon works which they can only dimly fathom.
Yet as they pass out of the gallery into the world of living men
and women how quickly is this respectful diffidence removed!
He who would not presume to criticize a picture, of which he
knows but little, will not hesitate to criticize a man or woman
of whom he knows far less. Willing to admit his inability to
estimate the work of the painter, he yet feels competent,
without study or experience, to estimate the noblest and most
complex work of infinite wisdom.--Philadelphia _Ledger_.
(627)
See CHRISTIANITY, CRITICISM OF.
=Criticism, Indifference to=--See MODESTY.
=Criticism of Christianity=--See CHRISTIANITY, CRITICISM OF.