In their private characters they much resemble each other, being both honorable, generous, unassuming, and enthusiastic lovers of their profession and of the fine arts hi general.

I have been to see a remarkably fine picture, by a modern French artist, of the name of Granet.  It may be considered as the chef d’oeuvre of the perspective or dioramic art.  This picture represents the ulterior of the convent of the Capuchins, near the Barberini Palace.  The picture is by no means a very large one; but the optical deception is astonishing.  You fancy you are standing at the entrance of a long hall and ready to enter it; on looking at it, thro’ a piece of paper rolled hi form of a speaking trumpet—­which by hiding from the sight the frame of the picture, prevents the illusion from being dissipated—­you suppose you could walk into the hall; and each figure of a monk therein appears a real human creature, seen from a long distance, so skilfully has the artist disposed his light and shade.  This picture has excited the admiration of connoisseurs, as well as others, and it is universally proclaimed a masterpiece.  M. Granet’s house is filled every day with persons coming to see this picture, and many repeat their visits several tunes in the week.  He has received several orders for copies of this picture, and I fancy he begins to be tired of eternally copying the same thing; for he told me that he wished that the gentlemen who employed him would vary their subjects, and either chuse some other themselves, or let him chuse for them.  But no! such is the effect of vogue and fashion, and such the despotic influence they exercise even over the polite arts, that everybody must have a copy of Granet’s picture of the interior of the Convent of Capuchins coute que coute; so that poor Granet seems bound to this Convent for life; except in the intervals of his labours, he should hit off another subject, with equal felicity, and this alone may perhaps serve to diminish the universal desire of possessing a copy of the Convent.  The original picture is destined for the King of France.[114]

I remarked, in the collection of the works of this artist, a small picture representing Galileo in prison, and a monk descending the steps of the dungeon bringing him his scanty meal.  A lamp hangs suspended from the roof, in the centre of the dungeon, and the artist has made a very happy hit in throwing the whole glare of the lamp on the countenance of Galileo, who is seated reading a book, while the gaoler monk is left completely in the shade.  On seeing this I exclaimed:  Veramente, Signor Granet, e buonissimo quel vostro concetto!

Easter Tuesday.