Page:The reign of George VI - 1763.djvu/96

This page has been validated.
70
THE REIGN

ing. Its simplicity and grandeur are admirable.

The academy of painting was another institution which would alone have rendered the memory of any Monarch dear to the arts and sciences. It was reserved for the age of George VI. to be graced with a list of great artists in this country, whose works should render their own names as well as his immortal. From the foundation of the English monarchy to the age of George, Britain had never seen a painter that could rank in the first class of foreign artists. But though this great King could not create, yet he drew by his encouragements and rewards, artists from their retirements, and set them to work. No genius ever met with even a rebuke from George; merit was sure to be rewarded; and excellence in any art the certain road to fortune. Gilbert was the architect of the building, and its grandeur is well known; the President ofthis