National Gazette

Nov. 30. A deputation of Parisian artists (not academicians) appeared at the bar of the legislative National Assembly some time since, requesting the explanation of the decree relative to the distribution of the rewards adjudged to the artists, who have ornamented the hall of the Louvre with figures of sculpture emblematical of the renovated liberties of France. The Vice President, previous to making the necessary explanations, addressed the deputation as follows: Gentlemen! "Greece has rendered herself famous through the universe by her love for liberty, and her generous passion for the fine arts. Upon the decline of the Grecian power, both these affections were transferred to Italy, perpetuating the name of the Roman Empire;—and to this day we see men of the finest understandings running in crowds to Rome to weep over the ashes of the Catos, and to admire their unrivalled works of genius. The French nation, hitherto shackled with the chains of despotism, but designed by nature to be great, with pleasure beholds men rising from the bosom of their empire, to dispute the palm of genius with the artists of Greece and Italy, and to anticipate to their country many ages of well-earned glory. Having vindicated ourselves into freedom, we shall now assume a more exalted national character than heretofore, and by an originality of design, lay claim to the veneration of posterity. Inflamed with the spirit of expanded patriotism, eager for liberty and honour, our hearts glow with the sentiments impressed by the revolution, and exult in the idea that the artist with his creative chisel, or the magic pencil, is preparing to transmit to the latest ages the noblest event that ever the world witnessed, and the images of those celebrated men whose wisdom and courage completed the mighty task.—Rest assured, Gentlemen, that the National Assembly will not fail to encourage, to their utmost, those arts which excite the soul to generous actions, and contribute to the happiness of mankind. We well know, that your exclusion from the Academy of arts does by no means exclude you from immortality. We know also that the fires of genius cannot be easily extinguished by narrow regulations and academical monopolies; and in the additional decree which you solicit, expect that the Assembly will adopt such measures as shall enable the arts to keep an equal pace with liberty, which united, shall advance our national honour to the highest possible degree of human perfection—The assembly invites you to await its sitting."