There is a certain point* of distance from whence every object appears at its greatest magnitude: but in cases where symmetry prevails, the distance may be rather greater, because exact correspondence of parts assists the mind in forming an idea of the whole. I should therefore conceive, that the effect of surprise, of magnificence, and of the sublime, in this effort of art, is greatly injured by seeing the interior of this ample court, before we arrive at the entrance gate; because that is nearly the spot where the eye is completely filled and gratified by the surrounding objects. But as this view should not be momentary, I suppose the road to continue from the gate in a straight line, till it falls into a circle with the colonnade; and here the broad road may be intercepted with posts and chains, to direct carriages into that course which displays the whole area to the greatest advantage, passing nearer to the side colonnade; shewing that in perspective, and presenting the house at the angle to shew its depth. The manner in which this is effected by sweeping round the court, is not to be described by painting; because every step varies the position of the several parts, as they advance or recede perspectively.
*[This subject has been discussed in Chapter II].
