What classes of ideas are conveyable by art.

The definition of art which I have just given requires me to determine what kinds of ideas can be received from works of art, and which of these are the greatest, before proceeding to any practical application of the test.

I think that all the sources of pleasure, or of any other good, to be derived from works of art, may be referred to five distinct heads.

1. I. Ideas of Power.—The perception or conception of the mental or bodily powers by which the work has been produced.

2. II. Ideas of Imitation.—The perception that the thing produced resembles something else.

3. III. Ideas of Truth.—The perception of faithfulness in a statement of facts by the thing produced.

4. IV. Ideas of Beauty.—The perception of beauty, either in the thing produced, or in what it suggests or resembles.

5. V. Ideas of Relation.—The perception of intellectual relations in the thing produced, or in what it suggests or resembles.

I shall briefly distinguish the nature and effects of each of these classes of ideas.

Ideas of power vary much in relative dignity

I. Ideas of Power.—These are the simple perception of the mental or bodily powers exerted in the production of any work of art. According to the dignity and degree of the power perceived is the dignity of the idea; but the whole class of ideas is received by the intellect, and they excite the best of the moral feelings, veneration, and the desire of exertion.