The text emphasizes the importance of human studies in both art and social interactions. It discusses the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, stressing that true understanding isn't about boasting but about genuinely grasping concepts. It advises that skilled workers should seek judgments from knowledgeable individuals to improve their work effectively.
TO THE READER.
And anything that is Frye, and any ornament to his understanding should belong to him.
This, therefore, with our firm statement that human studies is not only of great importance to the arts of drawing and painting, but that it also extends to the proper social interactions and service in the treatment of human matters: Indeed, it shall not appear out of place that in a book which we call human studies, we discuss many things that are proper for everyone to know. And as we gladly permit such conduct, we do not prevent anyone from being an expert in their chosen field of science and art, gaining great approval from the general public. In just the same way, we also do not wish to remove the great distinction between theoretical knowledge and practical exercise; instead, we aim to prevent that masters and learners, with the small part they have chosen from the general field, do not judge others' skills without understanding; playing as if they are the experts; criticizing everyone without necessity: For this is only invented to boast about through leeways, cheats, or at best from a bungler and casually earning day-jobbers to act as they wish. There may be cases where a cunning individual knows how to deceive with a lack of supervision; but indeed, we regard that a skilled worker prefers to devote his labor to a knowledgeable assessor than an ignorant one; due to the fact that those of the latter kind often cannot say what they have meant to make or what is lacking in the made product; so they can be corrected and their dissatisfaction is addressed. Hence, this results when affected by undue pretense in sciences that fail to meet the possibilities of actions and specific artistic practices, leaving a superintendent to direct the worker beyond his readiness, not knowing whether he works under faulty instructions and request of the work, or the master, or wants to curse himself. This often leads to conflict, while both are wrong; and before the work is half or fully wasted. It stands then, like the outcome is different, as the wise thoughts of the payment calculations expected.
Translation Notes:
Frye: in historical context refers to an individual's ornaments or personal embellishments.
Heersbecken: refers to overseers or supervisors in a broader sense.
Oordeeler: implies a judge or assessor, especially in artistic contexts.