5 OCTOBER 1912, Page 9

Sculpture in Spain. By Albert F. Calvert. (John Lane. 3s.

6d. net.)—Early sculpture in Spain, especially bas-reliefs, shows much

more originality than the contemporary painting. The best work must have been done in the fifteenth century, when much vigour and truth were shown in the art. Later the sculptors degenerated, and the worst elements of the Spanish mind, senti- mentality and blood lust, become apparent. In connexion with this Mr. Calvert alludes to the great number of representations of severed heads of martyrs, and from the reproductions ho gives of some of them the originals must be horrible. They are no doubt calculated to appeal to a people debauched by the Inquisi- tion with its victims butchered to make religious holidays.