The right to monopolize The right to monopolize what is above a certain degree of excellence, in objects of Art, is not recognized by Public Opinion, under Monarchical governments. The principle is a general and sound one. Mr. Astor might easily buy all the land around Niagara, so that the greatest wonder of nature could only bo approached by ringing at his gatebut the Public would not recogniso his right to shut out a singlevisitor. There is a degree of excellence,
Tory Burch Shoesin every beautiful object, that is alone of its kind, above which exclusive property ceaseswith the single exception, of course, of the beauty of a wife. There is more in the u Greek Slave" than one man would have a right to own and sequestrate from public view more in Powers's " Proserpine more in Crawford's " Orpheus"more in any of the masterpieces by Leslie and Newton, Page and Gray.But, here and there, in NewYork, there is a doorbell looking as inexpressive as any other doorbell, and at which the stranger feels no particular liberty to ringwhich is the " opensesame" to collections of Art, made with great cost and care. Pictures which are, in a
Tory Burch Outletcertain sense, works of Natureproduced by accidents of mood and inspiration, and wholly irreproduciblehave been appreciatively purchased by the resident in that house; and there they hang upon his walls, viewed by his family and friends onlythe Public at the same time having thatT right to enjoy them, which is based upon their singleness of type, and preeminence of beauty.On the part of most of the owners of these gems of Art, the monopoly is neither willing nor intentional. They would gladly share their pleasure with those who could appreciate what they possess. The custom, only, is wanting. At present, it would look as obtrusive and forward, to offer the Public admission to a private house, to see pictures at certain hours, as it would seem obtrusive and forward in a stranger to claim it. It is time, therefore, for some change in the mere usage and understanding on such matters.For lack of a better suggestion, why should not the keepers of the principal Hotels be entrusted with tickets of
Tory Burch Flatsadmissionto the twenty or thirty houses worth visiting for their embellishments of Artthe tickets valid only on certain days and at certain hours ?