Kommentar til Marts 1827
[Author’s note in the text:]
The type of our Saviour (ανυτοκςατως), the Madonna (ϑεοτοκη), the Apostles, &c. &c. has been preserved the same for many centuries amongst the Greeks, with singularly religious fidelity. Every one remembers the anecdote of the Greek Papas and Titian – As statues are prohibited, this is comparatively easy. The attitude is retained with equal scrupulosity: it is to the Greeks what their Liturgy is to the Latins. The best examples of these orthodox portraits are to be found in the mosaics, which generally encrust the absis of the ancient Basilicæ, such as St. Paul’s, St. John’s at Rome, the Cathedral at Monteleone near Palermo, &c. &c. It is probable that it was from one of these early designs, which may be traced as high at least as Constantine (see the mosaics at Bethlehem), that Nicephorus drew a his description. Nicephorus, in his turn, suggested many hints to the early Italians and Germans. I saw at Stutgard a portrait professedly painted after him. It is engraved, with others of the same admirable collection, in the new lithographic publication (the finest specimen by far which exists of that discovery); but to judge it properly it must be seen. In the same gallery is a Christ of the third school of German art, which struck me. It resembles much the chef-d’œuvre of Thorwaltzen. I was told that it had attracted his attention not a little, when at Stutgard. I thought I could see the hint of his Christ, the drapery, attitude, &c.; – but the expression – the expression who could give it but Thorwaltzen? At Orvieto, at the entrance of the Cathedral, there is also a small sedent statue, exquisitely modelled and finished; but I imagine, as it has not been engraved, it has altogether escaped his notice. The character of the head, however, closely coincides; and had be seen it, it could scarcely have failed of making an impression. There have been numerous copies of the Thorwaltzen Christ already. At Stutgard I saw one which purported to be an original; but like the Pietà of Michael Angelo, nothing has yet trenched upon its supremacy.
Sidst opdateret 25.10.2020