Distance in time or space, it has been said, gilds formulas and styles; we turn to what is far away and ask for inspiration. By the light reflected from the past the artist endeavours to forge something new in harmony with his own period. Thus the great styles, always new and original, have in them at the same time something which we recognize as a common element. Style is not only the man himself but also his period. Style, therefore, is not merely an opinion but a fact.