and the best models of art, or as Reynolds terms it, "the accumulated genius of ages."
RAFFAELLE SANZIO DI URBINO.
By the general approbation of mankind, this illustrious
artist has been styled "the prince of modern
painters." He is universally acknowledged to have
possessed a greater combination of the excellencies
of art than has fallen to the lot of any other individual.
It is a remarkable fact, mentioned by many
artists and writers, that the most capital frescoes of
Raffaelle in the Vatican, do not at first strike the beholder
with surprise, nor satisfy his expectations;
but as he begins to study them, he constantly discovers
new beauties, and his admiration continues to
increase with contemplation.
RAFFAELLE'S AMBITION.
Raffaelle was inspired by the most unbounded
ambition; the efforts of Michael Angelo to supplant
him only stimulated him to greater exertions;
and, on his death-bed, he thanked God he was born
in the days of Buonarotti. He was instructed in
the principles of architecture for six years by Bramante,
that on his death he might succeed him in
superintending the erection of St. Peter's. He
lived among the ancient sculptures, and derived
from them not only the contours, drapery, and attitudes,
but the spirit and principles of the art. Not
content with what he saw at Rome, he employed
