CHAPTER X.

THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

General Expansion and Extension of Art-culture.--More Scope given to the Tendencies originated in preceding Age.--Reminiscences of past Glories of Art active during the first half of the Century.--The Flemish and Italian Schools in vogue.--Eclecticism.--Influences of the French School mingled with those of the great Masters.--The Rococo Style.--The Aggregate of Woman’s Labor greater than ever before.--Not accompanied by greater Depth.--Less Individuality discernible.--The greatest artistic Activity among Women in Germany.--In France next.--In Italy next.--In other Countries less.--Rapid Growth of Art in Berlin.--In Dresden.--Scholarship and literary Position of Women during the first half of the Century.--Poets and their Inspirations.--Princesses the Patrons of Letters.--Nothing new or striking in Art.--A Revolution in the latter half of the Century.--Instruction in Art a Branch of Education.--Dilettanti of high Rank.--Female Pupils of Painters of Note.--Mengs and Carstens.--Carstens the Founder of modern German Art.--His Style not adapted to female Talent.--A lovely Form standing between him and Mengs.--A female Stamp-cutter.--An Artist in Wax-work.--In Stucco-work.--In cutting precious Stones.--Barbara Preisler.--Other female Artists.--Fashionable Taste in Painting.--Marianna Hayd.--Miniaturists.--Anna Maria Mengs.--Her Works.--Miniature and Pastel-painting.--Flowers and Landscapes a Passion.--Imitators of Rachel Ruysch and Madame Merian.--Celebrities in Flower-painting.--Copper-engraving. Lady Artists of high Rank.--Other Devotees to Art. 132