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Preface vii
specific, thorough applications for those dealing with substance abuse issues. Second,
I use a “running case study” approach throughout the text. The case study, introduced
in Chapter 1, is incorporated throughout the book in each chapter. Thus, students can
follow how the client is conceptualized and counseled through the different theories.
This approach has been adopted in other theories texts (see Corey, 2009).
that lack an organizing theoretical model. This section includes solution-focused ther-
apy (Chapter 10), Adlerian therapy (Chapter 11), Gestalt therapy (Chapter 12), and
existential therapy (Chapter 13).
Within each theoretical chapter, I begin with a brief introduction, followed by an
overview of the major tenets of the theoretical approach. Admittedly, I struggled with
finding a balance between covering the theory sufficiently to provide background,
and at the same time not turning the text into a book on theories! This was easier to
accomplish for some theories compared to others. For example, the Adlerian theoreti-
cal overview is quite extensive; however, this theory is multifaceted and complex and
I thus felt a bit more at liberty to expand this section of the chapter. Other theoretical
approaches are more straightforward and thus did not require an extensive explana-
tion. Following an overview of the major tenets, I discuss each theoretical approach
as applied to substance abuse and addiction counseling, followed by a survey of tech-
niques and strategies that one could employ consistent with each theory. Multicultural
considerations and the application of each theory to diverse clientele who may strug-
gle with addiction are given focus across all theoretical chapters. This is followed by
an example of how the theory might apply to the “running case study,” demonstrating
what the theoretical approach might “look like” with the same client. Where appropri-
ate, smaller, mini case studies that highlight specific points/techniques about a theory,
how to deal with different addiction issues, and strategies with clients from diverse
backgrounds are provided throughout the text. Each theoretical chapter concludes
with a summary of strengths, limitations, and potential ethical issues.
likely be dropped from the DSM-V, due out in 2013. I believe this is a good thing;
clients struggle with substance use problems, and these problems are often on a con-
tinuum rather than separated into two distinct categories.
A couple of other points on wording are worth mentioning. Throughout the
text I use the word clinician to refer to any mental health professional who works
with clients struggling with substance abuse. Therapy, psychotherapy, and counsel-
ing are used interchangeably. In most instances, I use the term client rather than
patient, a clear influence of my clinical training. However, it is important to note that
patient is typically used more often in medical settings, and so there might be occa-
sions when patient is used within a medical context or discussion in the text. The
book has many client examples, and I took strides to include both male and female
examples.
The reader should be aware that the substance abuse treatment field probably
has more acronyms than any other professional field! Sometimes the sheer number
can be overwhelming and difficult to keep straight. At the same time, they do serve
an important purpose: Acronyms provide an easy way to abbreviate the long name
of an organization or treatment approach and are especially helpful if these names
are used frequently throughout a chapter. In most cases, I spell out the organization
or treatment approach first, followed by the acronym. Subsequent mentioning of the
organization or approach is used with the acronym.
Did you know this book is also available as an Enhanced Pearson eText? The afford-
able, interactive version of this text includes 3-5 videos per chapter that exemplify,
model, or expand upon chapter concepts. Look for the play button in the margins to
see where video is available in the affordable enhanced eText version of this text.
70
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x Preface
Acknowledgments
From the start, I envisioned being the sole author of the book and making this a
reality required many days and nights of solo writing. However, I would be remiss
not to mention those who have been a tremendous help in putting a project like this
together. I am grateful to my department chair, Dr. Scott Young, who believed in my
ideas and encouraged me to contact my publishing representative. It was his persis-
tence that allowed me to get connected with the right people and to see the project
through. I also would like to thank my colleagues at UNCG, many of whom continu-
ously inquired about the book, how it was coming along, and provided encourage-
ment along the way.
I am indebted to Rev. Jack Hileman at Presbyterian Counseling Center in
Greensboro, North Carolina, who brought me onboard and gave me the experiences
and supervision I needed to strengthen and develop my clinical approach to working
with clients struggling with addiction. His encouragement and positive attitude are
characteristics that I strive to emulate every day. I wish to thank my research apprentice
and doctoral student, Ed Wahesh, for his assistance in organizing the literature review
for each chapter. His work saved many hours on my end and for that I am grateful.
A special thanks to Meredith Fossel, my Senior Acquisitions Editor at Pearson.
Meredith was extremely supportive of my endeavor and provided the encouragement I
needed to push through. Her feedback was always on point, and she guided me in this
process. I also appreciated her patience with me as deadlines were moved or renegoti-
ated several times. Her commitment to the project strengthened my commitment to the
project. I also enjoyed our informal conversations about our beloved Buckeyes!
I also wish to express my appreciation for those individuals who reviewed
the manuscript throughout its development: Gonzalo Bacigalupe, University of
Massachusetts Boston; Shoshana Kerewsky, University of Oregon; Diane McDermott,
University of Kansas; Fidencio Mercado, The University of Texas-Pan American;
Victoria Osbourne, University of Missouri; Tresvil G. Pack, University of Arkansas at
Little Rock; Mark S. Parrish, University of West Georgia; Carol Rankin, California State
University, Fresno; Thomas Smith, Florida State University; Dallas M. Stout, California
State University, Fullerton; David Tews, Loyola University Chicago; and Metoka Welch,
South University-Richmond.
Finally, I would like to thank my beautiful wife, Denise, and two adorable chil-
dren, Evelyn and Alexander, who endured long hours of “Daddy is in the barn writing
again.” Their unending support, encouragement, and love I will always cherish. This
project is as much a part of them as it is of me.
Todd F. Lewis
Greensboro, NC, USA
July 25, 2012
Brief Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
xi
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
The Importance of Theory 2
A Possible Roadmap to Theory Utilization 5
A Word about Evidence-Based Treatments 8
▶ Case Study: The Case of Michael 9
Multicultural Issues in Substance Abuse Counseling 12
Summary 13 • References 14
xii
Contents xiii
Hallucinogens 47
Marijuana 49
Inhalants 50
Federal Drug Administration Schedule of Substances 50
Summary 51 • References 51
Introduction
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70
Visit the 0\&RXQVHOLQJ/DE for Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment to
enhance your understanding of chapter concepts. You’ll have the opportunity to
practice your skills through video and case based Assignments and Activities as
well as Building Counseling Skills units, and prepare for your certification exam
with Practice for Certification quizzes.
Year after year in the substance abuse counseling class I teach, when I ask students
how many of them know someone close who struggles with a substance use problem,
at least 75 percent raise their hands. As a follow-up question, I ask how many have
family members or close friends who have suffered serious negative consequences
as a result of substance use—again, the majority raises their hands. As a professional
counselor and counselor educator, I continue to be astonished at the pervasiveness
of substance use problems in our society. Statistics on the prevalence and scope of
substance use and its associated consequences in the United States provide students
with hard quantitative data, but that simple survey conducted at the beginning of
class tells it all. Simply looking around the classroom, one is hard-pressed not to run
into someone who either struggles with substance problems themselves or is close to
someone who does.
The pervasiveness of substance abuse and addiction begs the question of what
or how is the best way to address these problems clinically—that is, what is effective
substance abuse treatment? What does effective treatment look like? Scores of scientific
research has shown that a variety of approaches are effective in treating substance
abuse and addiction, many of which are covered in this text. Some approaches have
amassed an impressive amount of outcome research support, whereas others are
more conceptual in nature. A survey of the substance addiction literature suggests that
1
2 Chapter 1 • Introduction
much more information is related to the first question (What is effective substance
abuse treatment?) and less information is related to the second (What does effective
treatment look like?). In this text, which is constructed with the practitioner in mind,
I attempt to address both questions, with a strong emphasis on the gap related to the
latter question—the how to—with theory as the foundation.
In this introductory chapter, I set the stage for the rest of the chapters by discussing
the importance of counseling theory and how to incorporate it with greater intentionality
into substance abuse treatment. This is followed by a brief overview of each theory
presented in the text. A roadmap as to when certain theories are most useful in
substance abuse treatment is provided, followed by clarification of what is meant by
evidence-based approaches and associated research. The running case study for the text
is provided, in full, in this chapter. The chapter concludes with some general comments
regarding multicultural issues and substance abuse counseling.
Its inclusion is supported because of the strong empirical research base showing its
effectiveness as an intervention to manage and prevent a return to substance use. In
the OAS (2009) survey, 87 percent of substance abuse treatment facilities reported
using relapse prevention “always or often.”
Group Therapy Group therapy and practice have a theoretical and empirical
base of literature supporting this modality as a best practice in substance abuse and
addiction treatment. In this chapter, I discuss general considerations in the formation
and functioning of a substance abuse counseling group, keeping consistent with gen-
eral group theory. Mutual help groups (i.e., AA) are also discussed. Twelve-step group
facilitation was used by 56 percent of facilities that treat substance abuse and addic-
tion issues (OAS, 2009).
Family Therapy The problem of substance addiction often impacts the entire
family, making family therapy an important part of any text on substance abuse coun-
seling. In this chapter, I focus on family systems theory as well as other approaches
and techniques clinicians can implement in their work with addicted families. The
material from this chapter comes from many different sources: clinically generated
concepts, the experiences of family therapists, the writings of family systems experts,
and empirical studies on family-based models.
Solution-focused Therapy (SFT) Solution-focused counseling is a brief, behav-
iorally based intervention that is quite applicable to substance abuse and addiction
issues. SFT complements MI (the two share similar philosophies) and can even serve
as an extension of MI. In addition, there is a growing, impressive base of empirical
support for counseling addicted clients through this approach.
Adlerian Therapy The inclusion of Adlerian theory is based more on clinical
wisdom and experience than empirical evidence, although some empirical support
exits. Adlerian theory is comprehensive in that it is analytic, cognitive, behavioral, and
systemic. As such, comprehensive theory has much to offer substance abuse treat-
ment. Adlerian theory assumes substance abuse is secondary to general psychological
problems and provides an appropriate contrast to the “addiction as disease” concept.
Gestalt Therapy Gestalt therapy can be an effective and powerful approach to
those struggling with addiction. A growing theoretical base of literature supports this
notion, although the empirical work is scant. However, the lack of empirical support
is not because this approach is ineffective but because the concepts and philosophy
underlying Gestalt theory are not as amendable to empirical investigation. A Gestalt
approach can help an addicted person live with greater awareness, integration, and
authenticity on their recovery journey.
Existential Therapy Existential theory, like Gestalt, is difficult to study empiri-
cally; however, a foundation of literature and clinical experience suggests that sub-
stance use often manifests as crises in meaning and other “givens” of existence. The
role that lack of meaning, existential isolation, and anxiety plays in substance abuse
has been well established. However, relatively little has been written about what an
existential exploration of substance abuse would look like with clients. As you will
see in this chapter, I have found that clients, even younger, adolescent clients, often
respond well to discussions of existential topics and themes.
Chapter 1 • Introduction 5
Each theory presented in this text, no matter the level of empirical support,
can be effective if the “how to” is demonstrated. Of course, not all theories will be
a fit for every client; some clients might respond better with an explorative existen-
tial approach compared to a structured CBT approach. In addition, clinicians may
be more comfortable with some approaches versus others. In all chapters, I cite
empirical research (if available) and note that more research may be desirable
for some theoretical approaches. However, no approach is discussed willy-nilly;
that is, each approach has empirical support, conceptual support, clinical sup-
port, or all of them. It is my hope that this text will provide students, clinicians,
and researchers a template or model to apply in their practice or research. From
a research perspective, understanding the “how to” can help one design treatment
protocols for future research studies. In essence, that is the way much outcome
research is generated; theory is presented first, followed by empirical investigation
to test effectiveness.
The 2009 Office of Applied Studies report demonstrated that many substance
abuse treatment facilities use approaches that are well established in the substance
abuse field—MI, CBT, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), relapse preven-
tion, and 12-Step facilitation. However, the report also cited that 96 percent of facili-
ties engage in substance abuse and addiction counseling “always or often.” Substance
abuse counseling was defined as generally short-term treatment that included sup-
portive techniques, expressive techniques, approaches to enhance interpersonal rela-
tionships, and strategies to increase self-understanding. All the theories presented in
this text promote one or more of these general counseling strategies, offer a con-
ceptual framework, and provide techniques to assist in accomplishing therapeutic
goals. Furthermore, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), based on decades
of research, included “counseling and other behavioral therapies” as part of their
13 Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment (NIDA, 1999) and specifically noted that
counseling and behavioral therapies are “critical components of effective treatment for
substance addiction.” Activities such as building motivation, building drug resistance
and refusal skills, improving problem solving, improving interpersonal relationships,
and replacing drug-using activities with rewarding non-drug activities were mentioned
as key benefits of addictions counseling.1
1
For a complete listing of the 13 principles of drug addiction treatment, visit www.nida.gov.
6 Chapter 1 • Introduction
believe they have control over their use (when they clearly do not) and thus minimize
subsequent problems. The second stage is transition, where clients develop little inter-
est outside substance use, and drugs have become the central organizing principle of
their lives. Negative consequences begin to pile up. When clients come to see that (a)
they are an “alcoholic” or “addict” and (b) they have lost control, they transition into
the end of using and the beginning of abstinence. This is a critical and vulnerable spot
for clients because depression, anxiety, eating problems, and other addictions rise to
the surface to fill the void (Brown, 1997). According to Brown (1995, 1997), funda-
mental building blocks of recovery need to be in place for clients to move on toward
recovery. Relapse is a constant possibility. The third stage is early recovery, where the
client begins to gain some momentum in the recovery process, experiences a decline
in impulses, and is committed to attending a 12-Step mutual support group in addition
to regular counseling. Those in early recovery begin the shift from external support
to internal support. Their world begins to open as they catch their impulses and make
alternative choices to using. The fourth stage is ongoing recovery where the client is
firmly in recovery and has expanded his life interests and pursuits. Clients generally
engage in deeper levels of self-exploration in this stage (Brown, 1995, 1997). Twelve-
Step attendance is still an important component but is at a maintenance level. It may
take several years for a client to reach ongoing recovery (Brown, 1997). Notice how
abstinence is in the middle of the model as the client transitions away from using or
drinking. According to Brown (1997), many have wrongly assumed that once a client
is abstinent from substances, then treatment stops. As one can see, abstinence is really
the start of treatment, rather than the end.
Brown’s model is helpful in understanding the recovery process and provides
insights into where certain theoretical approaches might be most useful. In gen-
eral, the earlier in the model the client is (active use, transition, beginning of early
recovery), the more one should rely on the theoretical approaches discussed in Part II
of this text: Motivational Interviewing, CBT, relapse prevention, group therapy, and
family therapy, in addition to assessment and evaluation procedures. As a client pro-
gresses from early recovery to ongoing recovery, approaches such as Gestalt ther-
apy, existential explorations, and Adlerian interventions become more appropriate.
These latter approaches may invoke greater emotion and generally involve deeper,
more philosophical explorations that the client may not be ready to experience during
active use or early recovery.
Indeed, Brown (1997) noted that for much of active use, transition, and even
early recovery, clients are not ready to deal with deep psychological explorations or
therapies that may have the potential to dig up old emotional wounds. Motivational
interviewing can be quite effective when a client is actively using or has reached
abstinence but may be less effective and even unproductive when the client is sol-
idly in recovery and is motivated to stay there. In the early stages of Brown’s model,
clients benefit more from practical considerations related to motivation (motivational
interviewing), negative thinking processes that maintain substance use (CBT), relapse
concerns (relapse prevention), staying in therapy (both group and individual), and
12-Step mutual help group attendance. As clients build their recovery and are ready
to delve into topics such as personal choice, emotional processing and exploration,
meaning, and awareness, Gestalt, existential, and Adlerian therapies become more rel-
evant and useful to strengthen one’s life free from substance use.
Chapter 1 • Introduction 7
Table 1.1 B
rown’s (1995, 1997) Developmental Model and Possible Approaches
that Fit Best with Each Phase1
Phase Approach Description
Active drinking or use Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Treatment is usually focused on
Group Therapy, 12 step group stopping or seriously limiting use,
attendance, Family Therapy (if rather than psychological explorations;
family’s goal is to help member client motivation and consciousness
stop using) raising are important considerations
Transition (to abstinence) Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Client is in emotionally vulnerable
Relapse Prevention, Group position; Assessing motivation, relapse
Therapy, Family Therapy, 12 step potential, and providing support
group attendance via group and family care become
important
Early Recovery (1-3 years) Relapse Prevention, Group Treatment begins to move away from
Therapy, Family Therapy, 12 step motivation issues (although these
group attendance, Solution- could still come back) and more toward
Focused Therapy; Existential, preventing relapse and putting together a
Gestalt, Adlerian as client is solid plan for recovery. Support continues
ready and with caution to be important; slowly introduce other
approaches with caution
Ongoing Recovery (3-5 years) Existential, Gestalt, Adlerian Client solidly in recovery and more
amenable to deeper psychological
explorations.
1
This chart is only one possible way to approach substance abuse counseling using theoretical approaches. For
example, motivational interviewing may be important to come back to even in later stages of recovery. For some clients,
Adlerian or Existential therapy might fit earlier in the process, depending on client motivation, pattern of use, emotional
vulnerability, and so forth.
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deplore the destructive effects of that mistaken spirit, of pretended
philosophy, and pretended patriotism, which had levelled with the
ground the churches and country seats, the ruins of which reminded
us, in every village, of the excesses committed during the revolution;
we made these reflections with double force, and double regret, in
viewing what was once the palace of Chantilly. The principal building
is entirely pulled down; but le petit château, and the superb edifice of
the stable, still remain. This latter was saved by the orders of the
present government, who forbade its being sold; and the mistress of
the inn, with tears in her eyes, acquainted me, that had Bonaparte
been at the head of public affairs six months sooner, the palace also
would have been rescued from destruction. That extraordinary man
visited Chantilly after the sale, but before the demolition of the
building. He heard that the purchaser had ordered it to be pulled
down—he expressed his regret; but, at that time, he had no means
of preventing what he sincerely deplored.
The stables, though unhurt, are neglected and dirty. They contain,
at present, a regiment of cavalry. The woods have also been greatly
thinned; the garden no longer exists; and, altogether, Chantilly
presents rather the picture of decayed magnificence, than that of
actual beauty.
On leaving this once celebrated place, we found a fine paved road
all the way to Paris. The regular avenue of hills, the rich country, the
vineyards, the villas, and the carriages of all descriptions which we
met, announced an approach to the capital, at the gates of which we
arrived at two o’clock.
Here, and at Boulogne, we were asked very civilly for our
passports, which were instantly returned us. These were the only
interruptions or examinations which we experienced, during the
whole of our journey. Carriages are not stopped, as formerly, at
every town, to be searched for contraband goods, but, en revanchè,
turnpikes are numerous and expensive. The inns are nearly as dear
as those of England; and it is now not less necessary, than under the
ancien régime, to make a previous bargain, before the horses are
taken from the carriage. If this is not done, impositions and disputes
are sure to occur.
On arriving at Paris, I drove to several hotels, before I could get
accommodated at all. I am now wretchedly lodged, and fear, from
what I have already seen and heard, that I must waste a
considerable portion of valuable time, before I shall obtain such
apartments as I wish. Good rooms are very scarce, many of the
hôtels garnis having been unfurnished during the revolution, and
those which remain being nearly filled with foreigners, who, since the
peace, have flocked hither in great numbers, from every nation of the
world.
Persons, intending to visit Paris, ought to write some days before
hand to their correspondents, if they desire to be comfortably lodged
on their arrival.
Adieu, my friend. I have now given you a full account of my
journey. I say nothing of Paris, or its inhabitants, the only person I
have yet seen being M. Peregaux, my banker. His new dignity of
senateur has made no alteration in his conduct. He is as civil, and as
obliging as ever.
As soon as I have seen any thing worth communicating, I shall
write again. In the mean time, I take my leave. And
Am, &c.
LETTER II.
The palace and gardens of the Thuilleries.—The Louvre.—The musée
central des arts, or picture gallery.—Maria Cosway.—Gallery of
antiquities.—Apollo Belvidere.—Laocoon.—List of pictures.
my dear sir,
Having in my last letter given the details of my journey, I shall
proceed to speak in this of what I have already seen at Paris. The
first objects of curiosity to which my steps were directed, were of
course the Thuilleries and the Louvre. Of the garden of the former it
is difficult to say any thing at this unfavourable season of the year. It
appears, however, to have undergone but little alteration, and to
have received the additional ornament of several statues, which are
scattered about the grounds. The château or palace of the
Thuilleries is also unchanged in that part of it which faces the
garden, but the appearance of the great front, (I mean that towards
the Carousel,) is much improved, and has become strikingly
magnificent. It promises to be still more so, when the whole of the
projected amendments are completed. When I last visited Paris, a
number of small houses surrounded the palace, and seemed to
conceal it from the profane eye of the vulgar. The greater part of
these houses are already pulled down, and the gallery of the Louvre,
no longer kept from view, forms a magnificent side to the spacious
court by which the palace is approached, and in which the first
consul reviews his troops, on the 15th of every month. This court is
separated from the street, by a beautiful iron railing, the four gates of
which are ornamented with the celebrated horses taken from Venice,
and with the birds (I believe cocks) which, in imitation of the roman
eagles, the french republic has adopted as her distinguishing
symbol. The opening is already extended as far as la rue St. Nicaise.
Houses are daily pulled down, and I understand it is the intention of
the present government to clear away all the remaining obstacles,
which separate the palace of the Louvre from that of the Thuilleries.
When this great plan is fully executed, the residence of the first
consul will greatly exceed in magnificence all the palaces of Europe.
In the Louvre is situated the museum or musée central des arts.
This superb collection, without exception the finest in the world,
occupies a room equally unrivalled, covering a space at least equal
to a quarter of an english mile. The antichamber[2] to this vast gallery
is at present filled with a modern exhibition of paintings, which,
indifferent in themselves, become still more contemptible by an
involuntary, though perhaps unfair, comparison, which one is led to
make between the artists of our times, and those of our ancestors.
An excellent likeness in full length of madame Bonaparte, and a
beautiful miniature of a father and a son, by Isabey, were the only
objects which attracted my attention. My impatience soon carried me
forward. At length I found myself in the magnificent room, which I
have before mentioned, the walls of which are covered as far as the
eye can reach with the sublimest efforts of human art. Where the
mind has long been promised a pleasure, when fancy has dressed it
in all her choicest colours, how seldom does the reality approach the
phantom of heated imagination! For once I was not disappointed. I
expected it is true, a high gratification. I had formed to myself an
exalted idea of the objects, which I was about to visit, yet the
satisfaction I felt exceeded, far exceeded, what I supposed it
possible for the power of sight to afford; nor did I believe that the
hand of man was capable of attaining that degree of perfection,
which I now beheld. For some time I was lost in wonder, I knew not
where to fix my enraptured eye. A catalogue which was offered me,
by one of the attendants, and which as I afterwards found, is drawn
up with great clearness and precision, roused me from this pleasing
reverie, and gave some order to the train of my thoughts. The
arrangement of the collection is admirable.
After viewing the masterpieces of la Sueur, le Brun, Nicolas
Poussin, and the three Van Loos, I supposed I had already seen the
utmost efforts of the art, and even, under this supposition, was ready
to allow that my highest ideas of the power of painting fell short of
what these specimens presented. Think of my surprise, when,
looking on my catalogue, I found that I had not yet passed the limits
of the french school. Astonished and delighted I went on. The
flemish, dutch, and german masters occupy the second division.
Among them I beheld the exquisite works of Van Dyck, of Hans
Holbein, of Paul Potter, of Rembrandt, of Teniers, and of Rubens.
Sublime as were the first, objects that had claimed my admiration,
even they were exceeded by the latter. Nor had I yet seen the acme
of the art. Charmed with the fancy and execution of all the flemish
painters, I was particularly pleased with the beautiful pasturage, by
Paul Potter, every object of which seems alive on the canvass.
A few steps would bring me in view of the wonders of Italy, to see
which so many of my countrymen had crossed the Alps; yet so
enraptured was I with the objects already before me, that it required
all the importunity of my companions, to persuade me to proceed. I
was soon rewarded for this temporary sacrifice, and in contemplating
the almost supernatural works of Corregio, of Caravaggio, of the
Carracci, of Dominichino, of Guido, of Leonardo da Vinci, of Paul
Veronese, of Raphael and of Titian. I discovered, that what I had
seen before were only so many links in the great chain of perfection,
which was now complete. If among those models of the art, you wish
me to name some particular picture, I should give the preference to
the communion of St. Jerome, by Dominichino, which in expression,
colouring, feeling, and variety, seems to me to possess every beauty
united.
Before I quit a subject so interesting in every respect, I ought to
mention, that this assemblage of the chefs-d’œuvres of former times,
begins already to hold out the promise of improving the taste of
modern painters. I saw artists of both sexes, occupied in taking
copies of the most celebrated subjects; and as curiosity led me to
observe some of these unfinished attempts, I discovered, with infinite
pleasure, that the figures, and even the countenances of the most
striking objects, were in several instances successfully imitated. It is
indeed, almost impossible, that the study of such unrivalled works
should be pursued, without considerable benefit to the individual,
and improvement to the art. To me it appears highly probable, that,
assisted by the great facilities and advantages which this gallery
affords, painting will, in the course of twenty years, recover all its
former splendour.
An English lady[3], who has long very deservedly enjoyed a
considerable portion of public praise, is now employed in copying the
principal pictures in the museum; and from her designs, prints are to
be published, the proposals for which are already circulated at Paris.
If she should execute her plan as well as one has reason to expect
from her known talents, the collection will become highly valuable
and interesting, not only to those who have seen the originals, but
likewise to such as have not had that advantage.
The musée, like every other establishment of the kind in this town,
is conducted on principles of liberality, truly honourable to the
government and the nation. The gallery is open to foreigners and
artists, every day of the year; but to the public, only once or twice in
each week. No fee or recompense is either required, expected, or
received by any of the attendants; and the exquisite pleasure of
contemplating these sublime pictures, for which indeed it would be
difficult to fix any adequate price, is enjoyed gratuitously[4].
The gallery of antiquities, containing statues, busts, and basso-
relievoes, is immediately under the gallery of pictures. It is divided
into la salle des saisons, la salle des hommes illustres, la salle des
Romains, la salle de Laocoon, la salle de l’Apollon, et la salle des
Muses.
Were I to attempt an account of all these statues, my letter would
never end. I shall therefore only mention those by which the rest,
however excellent, are rendered petty, and contemptible, in
comparison with them. I mean the Apollo Belvidere, and the
Laocoon[5]. These masterpieces of human ingenuity are also so well
known, and have been so well described, that I shall confine my
remarks to their present state and present situation. The Apollo
seems to have received no injury from the journey, and has as just
claims as ever to the preeminence which, for so many centuries, has
been allowed it. Did I not fear to appear presumptuous in hinting at
any defect in a statue, esteemed so perfect, I should say, that the
ancles were rather too thick, in proportion to the rest of the leg, and
to the general lightness of the figure. I should have concealed my
criticism, if a friend, on whose judgment and knowledge I can rely,
had not assured me, that the objection was not novel, and that many
connoisseurs have suspected that the legs are modern.
Not having had the happiness of seeing this wonderful statue in
Italy, I cannot draw a comparison between the spot where it formerly
stood, and that which it at present occupies. I certainly think, that it is
not now seen to the greatest advantage. The room is not either high
or large enough for the purpose, and too many statues are crowded
together.—The Apollo Belvidere stands between the Venus d’Arles
and another female figure, within a railed space of no great
dimensions. The catalogue gives the following history:
POSTSCRIPT.
I add, for the sake of gratifying the curiosity of such of your friends
as are connoisseurs, and wish to know where their favourite pictures
may be found, a list of those of the most celebrated masters, now in
the Louvre.
FRENCH SCHOOL.
charles le brun.
No. 9. The Courage of Mutius Scævola.
10. The Death of Cato.
11. Portrait of Charles le Brun, taken in his youth, by
himself.
12. St. Stephen stoned.
13. The Magdalen at the Pharisee’s.
14. Jesus asleep, or Silence.
15. The Benedicite.
16. The Cross surrounded with Angels.
17. The Defeat of Porus.
18. The Tent of Darius.
19. The Entry of Alexander into Babylon.
20. The Death of Meleager, king of Calydon.
21. The Conquest of Franche-Compté.—(The sketch from
which le Brun drew the celebrated picture, in the
great gallery at Versailles.)
22. The Nativity.
nicholas poussin.
No. 67. The Martyrdom of St. Erasmus, the Bishop.
68. The Philistines attacked with the Plague.
69. The Rape of the Sabines.
70. The Fall of Manna in the Desert.
71. Time makes Truth triumph.
72. The Last Supper.
73. St. Francis Xavier in India.
74. St. John Baptising in the river Jordan.
75. Rebecca and Eliezer.
76. Diogenes throwing away his Cup.
77. The Judgment of Solomon.
78. The Blind Men of Jericho.
79. Portrait of Poussin, taken by himself.
80. The Adultress.
81. The Death of Sapphira.
82. Winter, or the Deluge.
83. The Death of Eurydice.
84. The Holy Family.
85. The Assumption of the Virgin.
restout.
No. 88. Alpheus and Arethusa.
le sueur (eustache.)
No. 98. The Preaching of St. Paul at Ephesus.
99. The Descent from the Cross.
100. The Celebration of Mass by St. Martir.
101. St. Gervais and St. Protais.
102. Clio, the Muse of History.
Euterpe, the Muse of Music.
Thalia, the Muse of Comedy.
103. Calliope, the Muse of Epic Poetry.
104. Urania, the Muse of Astronomy.
105. Terpsichore, the Muse of Dancing.
106. Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy.
Erato, the Muse of Lyric Poetry.
Polyhymnia, the Muse of Eloquence.
van loo (carlo.)
No. 115. Æneas and Anchises.
116. The Marriage of the Virgin.
van loo (john baptiste.)
No. 117. Diana and Endymion.
van loo (louis michael.)
No. 118. The Picture of Carlo van Loo, the historical painter.
DUTCH, FLEMISH, AND GERMAN SCHOOL.