Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/109

 Water, that could in a short time make them appear Antique, it is probable they would be viewed with the same Veneration which is now payed to Ancient Statues. That the naked Sculpture of single Figures is a very noble Art indeed, but the simplest of any that has ever charmed Mankind; not being burthen'd with a Multiplicity of Rules, nor needing the Knowledge of any other Art to compleat it; since a Man that has a Genius, and Application, wants only a beautiful Model in a proper Posture, which he is faithfully to copy: And therefore, That in the Cloathed Statues of the Ancients, the Drapery wants much of that Art which is discernable in some Modern Pieces; they could never make the Clothes sit loose to the Bodies, nor manage the Folds so as to appear easie and flowing, like well-made Garments upon living Bodies. That the Basso Relievo's of the Ancients plainly show, that the Statuaries in those Days did not understand all the Precepts that are necessary to compleat their Art; because they never observed the Rules of Perspective, they did not lessen their Figures gradually, to make them suitable to the Place where they stood, but set them almost all upon the same Line; so that