SINCERITY

The origin of this word is doubtful,but in all probability the word "sincere " is the English rendering of two Latin words
'sine' and 'cere' meaning "without wax ." The Latin words were introduced frequently into builders' contracts and for the following reason - in the trans-shipment of marble,or in its preparation by the workmen,it sometimes happened that the block would receive a chip or the statue some defacement. To cover the defacement workmen were accustomed to fill in the broken edge or flaw with preparation of white wax,in which they grew so skillful that it was almost impossible even for a skilled eye to detect it. That which the eye could not detect,however, was remorselessly laid bare by the finger of time.The soft wax could not resist the winds and frost and soon the ugly scar appeared.To insure against this trickery,it became customary in all contracts to introduce a clause stipulating that the statue or work of art ,when completed and handed over,would be 'sine cere' - that is without wax.

Sincerity in art, therefore,is the absence of deception,the thing being what it appears to be - all of one piece. A statue may possess striking beauty in parts and yet the whole effect be marred by some fatal flaw,covered at first,but at length remorselessly laid bare; just as there are certain men,greatly gifted, who, through a latent insincerity which they cannot hide,fail to gain respect,their very gifts being neutralized or even forgotten.