"
This last thought brings us to Delsarte, who, perhaps, was its
inspiration.
The following valuable thoughts of the master, while not related
scientifically to his system, are still allied to its physical and
philosophical aspects:
"Form," says the innovator in aesthetics, "is the vestment of substance;
it is the expressive symbol of a mysterious truth; it is the stamp of a
hidden virtue, the actuality of being; in a word, form is the plastic of
the Ideal."
"The Beautiful is the transparency of the aptitudes of the agent, and it
radiates from the faculties which govern it. It is order which results
from the dynamical disposition of forms."
"Beauty is the reason which presides at the creation of things; it is
the invisible power which draws us and subjugates us in them."
"The Beautiful comprises three characters, which we distinguish under
the following titles: Ideal, moral and plastic beauty."
By the enunciation of these three categories, Delsarte enters upon the
positive aspect of his system. As the result of the careful examination
of the aptitudes or faculties of the Ego, approachable by analysis and
applied to aesthetics, he has established this first class of
manifestations (ideal beauty) as requisite to art. This must result from
a combination of the faculties; the possibilities of combination being
infinite, but always in subjection to the human being. The artist,
according to this personal power of inspiration, should be able to
portray a totality of superior and harmonious qualities, such as will
oblige any competent observer to recognize it as beautiful.
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