ABSTRACT
In sculpture, beauty and grace are the principal concern. For a thorough going beauty in all figures such as sculpture demands would detract from the concern with character, as well as being tiring in its monotony. From this point of view, sculpture seems to be suited to affirmation, painting to denial of the will for life, and it would be possible to explain on this basis why sculpture was the art of the ancients, painting that of Christian times. In an entirely analogous manner, the poet's own experience is useful and necessary for his depiction of characters. Therefore it was certainly of great assistance to the Greek sculptors that the climate and custom of the land gave them an opportunity to see half-naked forms throughout the day, and in the gymnasia, even entirely naked forms. Whatever modern sculpture may achieve, it is nevertheless analogous to modern Latin poetry, and like the latter a child of imitation, originating from recollection.
