The text discusses the tradition of drawing and painting art as practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans, noting its decline and eventual revival by Italian scholars. It compares this revival to the rekindling of the Latin language through enthusiastic educational efforts. This serves as an introduction to a work focused on drawing from life and nature.
Introduction
About the
Drawing, or Painting School from Nature, or
from Life.
Art-loving youth, it is well known to you that the art of drawing or the art of painting with the ancient Greeks and
Romans stood in great stead of artistic perfection, but it has been almost completely destroyed through the
fading of the old and famous painters; it has almost disappeared from the old ways, just as the Latin language, which was planted by the heartfelt authorities of Italian professors in other languages, so it is also, by unknown anxiety and then at times renewed reconciliation, created, that [...].
Translation Notes:
- The term "Reiß" is often related to drawing or sketching and can imply learning to draw from models or life.