29 April–5 May 1833

I revisited the Tribune this morning to see the Venus -and the Fornarina and the rest of that attractive company. I reserve my admira- tion as much as I can ; I make a continual effort not to be pleased except by that which ought to please me, and I walked coolly round and round the marble lady ; but when I planted my- self at the iron gate which leads into the chamber of Dutch paintings, and looked at the statue, I saw and felt that mankind have had good reason for their preference of this excellent work, and I gladly gave one testimony more to the surpassing genius of the artist.