- veying to the mind of the spectator the most delightful
impression of harmony, both spiritual and sensual. He is the painter of beauty par excellence; he is to us what Apelles was to the ancients—the standard of the amiable and the graceful.
CORREGGIO AND THE MONKS.
The pleasure which the monks derived from the
works of Correggio, even in their incipient state,
and the esteem which they had for him, is manifested
by a remarkable document. This is a letter or
patent of confraternity, passed in the general assembly
of the order, held at Pratalea, in the latter end
of 1521; a privilege which was eagerly sought at
this and earlier periods, and was seldom conferred
on persons not eminent for rank or talents. It conveyed
a participation in the spiritual benefits derived
from the prayers, masses, alms, and other pious
works of the community, and was coupled with an
engagement to perform the same offices for the repose
of his soul, and the souls of his family, as were
performed for their own members.
CORREGGIO'S MULETEER.
It is said that Correggio painted a picture of a
muleteer, as a sign to a small public house, which
was kept by a man who had frequently obliged him,
and who had been a muleteer. This picture was
purchased by a person sent to Italy many years ago
