The text discusses ancient sculptures attributed to Rhodian sculptors, as reported by Pliny. It emphasizes the importance of a structured approach in studying art, particularly drawing, for young learners. Key exercises include training the eyes for precision and accustoming the hand to use pencils and pens, stressing the role of practice in acquiring these skills.
THE DRAWING.
Some ancient sculptures, made from the time of Alexander to the last of the Antonines, which were discussed in this chapter, come from the school of Rhodes. What is certain is that the famous group of Laocoon and the Ancient Bull which is at the Farnese Palace in Rome, were made by Rhodian sculptors, as Pliny expressly reports.
CHAPTER SIX.
On the order to follow in the study of Design & its different parts.
Although the great men who excelled in Painting may have followed different paths in their studies to achieve perfection in their Art, there is nevertheless a preferable way to facilitate the young in advancing in the study of design. It is for this reason that we will discuss here the order it is proper to maintain, as well as in the different parts of Painting related to drawing.
On the precision of the eyes & the ease of the hand.
We have already remarked that there are only two exercises suitable for young people: one is to accustom their eyes to precision, that is, to faithfully reproduce on their paper the dimensions of the object they are copying; and the other is to accustom their hand to handling the pencil and pen until they have acquired the necessary ease, which is gained infallibly through practice. It is therefore of the
Translation Notes:
Dessein: This term translates to "Design," but in the historical context, it refers to the art and practice of drawing.