THE

LITERARY WORKS

OF

SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS, KT.

LATE PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY;

CONTAINING

HIS DISCOURSES, PAPERS IN THE IDLER, THE JOURNAL OF A

TOUR THROUGH FLANDERS AND HOLLAND,

AND ALSO

HIS COMMENTARY ON DU FRESNOY'S ART OF PAINTING.

PRINTED FROM THE AUTHOR'S REVISED COPIES,

With his last Corrections and Additions.

IN THREE VOLUMES,

TO WHICH IS PREFIXED,

Some Account of the Life of the Author,

By EDMOND MALONE, Esq.

ONE OF HIS EXECUTORS.

THE FIFTH EDITION, CORRECTED :

In which is now included,
A MEMOIR OF THE LIFE OF SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS,

By JOSEPH FARINGTON, Esq. R. A.

Quasi non ea præcipiam aliis, quæ mihi ipsi desunt.

- CICERO.

VOLUME THE SECOND.

LONDON:
PRINTED FOR T. CADELL AND W. DAVIES, IN THE STRAND,

BOOKSELLERS TO THE ROYAL ACADEMY.

OF

THE SECOND VOLUME.

DISCOURSE IX.

On the removal of the Royal Academy to Somerset-

Place. The advantages to society from culti-

vating intellectual pleasure .

Page 1

DISCOURSE X.

Sculpture : Has but one style. Its objects, form,

and character. Ineffectual attempts of the mo-

dern Sculptors to improve the art. Ill effects of

modern dress in Sculpture . .

9

DISCOURSE XI.

Genius : Consists principally in the comprehension

of A WHOLE ; in taking general ideas only . 39

DISCOURSE XII.

Particular methods of study of little consequence

- Little of the art can be taught. - Love of

method often a love of idleness. Pittori improv-

visatori apt to be careless and incorrect; seldom

original and striking :- This proceeds from

their not studying the works of other masters.

69

DISCOURSE XIII.

Art not merely imitation, but under the direction

of the Imagination. In what manner Poetry,

Paintina

Acting, Gardening, and Architecture,

depart from Nature

Page 109

.

DISCOURSE XIV.

Character of Gainsborough ; his excellencies and

defects

145

DISCOURSE XV.

The President takes leave of the Academy. A

Review of the Discourses. The study of the

Works of Michael Angelo recommended. . 179