Note 4 — LETTER XXXII. TRASTEVERE—WALLS.
Reading edition
On returning to Rome in 1818, I found this had been cleaned and restored by Pomaroli. The operation was admirably performed, and brought out many circumstances which were lost in its former state. These things become absolutely necessary in old paintings, yet supposing nothing of the master to be lost, which is hardly possible, our confidence that what we see is his production, is nevertheless inevitably diminished.