That is not what I can best appreciate in a work of art.

I hate to see the marks of them.

I want a simple and direct expression of soul.

For the rest, the ordinary cant of connoisseur-ship on these matters seems in Italy even more detestable than elsewhere.
I have not yet so sufficiently recovered from my pain at finding the frescos of Raphael in such a state, as to be able to look at them, happily.

I had heard of their condition, but could not realize it.
However, I have gained nothing by seeing his pictures in oil, which are well preserved.