On Picturesque Beauty, 1792 [ Concepts ]
… been surprized at finding us represented, as supposing, all beauty to consist in picturesque beauty—and the face of nature to be examined only by the rules of paint big. Whereas, in fact, we always speak a different language. We speak of the grand scenes of nature, tho uninteresting in a picturesque light, as having a strong effect on the imagination often a stronger, than … objects from one species of beauty, is not degrading them from all. We leave then the general admirer of the beauties of nature to his own pursuits; nay we admire them with him : all we desire, is, that he would leave us as quietly in the …
Beauty | Aesthetics | Nature
Anthology