METHOD FOR LEARNING

Two monstrous serpents, him and his two sons, desperately trying to free themselves. This masterpiece is the work of Agesander, Polydorus, and Athenodorus, all three sculptors from the City of Rhodes in Greece. Michelangelo Buonarroti called it the miracle of Art; and Pliny said it was considered in his time as the most beautiful piece of sculpture ever made in marble: he also assured that this group was made from a single block & piece; but Michelangelo first noticed the joints, though almost imperceptible. It was discovered in Rome in the Baths of Titus, near the Sette Sale.

The figure of the father, who is an old man, retains all the strength of age, and he is of a very grand and very learned character. One notices the most perfect knowledge of anatomy, combined with great taste, in the way it is expressed without dryness. Nature is enhanced with so much art that it is scarcely noticeable.

The expression of pain, not only in the head, but also in all the movements of the body, which suffers and acts violently, is astonishing; there is also perfect knowledge in the detailing of all natural forms in the knees, the ankles of the feet, and other joints: parts of the body that require the most knowledge and precision and are the most difficult to execute. This piece of sculpture is therefore one that must be studied with the utmost attention, not only to acquire its beauties but also to learn to know them. The two figures of young people are also of great beauty; their heads have a beautiful character and admirable expression: the nature of this age is very well rendered. However, it is necessary.