Arch-artist

But the arch-artist, Nature, had not let centuries pass idly. The western wall was clad with ivy, through which a boursault rose here and there reared its blossom aspiringly; [...]

[Michelangelo] will shortly be our theme for another article or two, wherein the arch-artist will be discussed, with special reference to the history and characteristics of his great architectural works.

[Artists] are merely repeating nature's earliest promptings, as when first the great arch-artist moulded our pendent sphere, painted its varied surface with inimitable hues, and bid the jubilant stars, nature's first poets, sing together the morning hymns of creation.