may require a distinct code of ethics that will, unchallenged, confer the liberty of appropriating what virtually belong to another.
However, a theme may be transferred from another source. An old idea reconstructed and developed, a motive of scheme of color captured elsewhere, may afford a suggestion for an entirely different treatment, and the transformation be so complete as to be entirely divested of offensive imitation.
This metamorphosis is entirely legitimate ; and it is mere sophistry to maintain that it militates against the artist's ability, or that he transgresses any moral law or obligation. A wholly original design must be the emanation of individual invention, or the conception and method of interpreting a suggestion from nature or imagination, and must be spontaneous ; and originality embraces those features that conspicuously distinguish one person's work from another's ; not necessarily eccentric. but obviously a creation.
