The Practice of Art by J.D. Harding

Author:J.D. Harding [J. D. Harding]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dover Publications
Published: 2016-04-13T04:00:00+00:00

An upright or horizontal line possesses in itself no beauty, yet its presence is of great value in a picture as a test of the curvature or inclination of others, as we see in Pl. 16 and 17, and in the Examples 2 and 5 of Pl. 24, where the rugged lines of the mountains and distance derive their influence from the unbroken line of the horizon ; and we feel the charms of such scenery greatly increased when we have the smooth horizontal surface of the river or lake, to reflect and contrast the wild outlines and surfaces of its mountainous and rocky shores. Hence it is we derive so much more pleasure when among mountains with lakes cradled at their bases, or from the cliff-bounded seashore, than we can possibly experience in the absence of such contrasts. In the example of trees given in the present page, each line being different to the others, strengthens and gives value, by opposition, to the effect of each. We are indebted for any pleasure they afford to the presence of variety—no two lines are alike—no two quantities are equal—each tree is different in its kind, and therefore in its form, and the group has been selected from nature on account of that variety. It is to this influence which lines have on each other, whether upright or horizontal, curved or inclined, that we are indebted for the pleasure we derive from the combination of buildings with natural scenery ; above all, when the buildings are either Grecian, or when, in the same manner as Grecian, they furnish perpendicular and horizontal lines, in marked contrast with any scenery by which they may be surrounded, and with which they have been for the most part associated in nature. In the absence of such features, we feel grateful for the perpendicular surface of the rock, or the sudden acclivity of the mountain side, which always enhance the pleasure we derive from their associated beauties, because we have those beauties enforced by the contrast.

Pl. 15

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