A volume on Tintoretto has been added by Mr. Stoughton
Holborn to the "Great Masters Series" (G. Bell and Sons, 5s.) The writer is full of an enthusiasm which makes his book readable, but which occasionally lands him in absurdities. For instance, he specially singles out for praise the drawing of Tintoretto, comparing it with that of Michelangelo, and ranking it when at its best as high as, if not higher than, that of the Florentine. That Tintoretto had a quite magnificent power of flinging figures about on his canvas in splendid attitudes, no one will deny. When, however, we look critically at the construction and details of these figures, and compare them with those of Michelangelo, we realise that the difference is enormous. Tintoretto was an inspired improvisatore, but could not give that vitality to his figures which makes them living in every part, as did Michel- angelo. It is for this-reason that Tintoretto, as a rule, interests the amateur of imagination more than he does the artist, who is apt to forget the inspiration in noticing the absence of complete science.
Previous page
