Chapter Seven discusses various methods for copying a drawing or painting, especially useful for those not skilled enough to copy by sight. One highlighted method is tracing, which involves darkening the back of the drawing or using a thin sheet to avoid damaging the original. The process includes using black pencil powder, a cloth, and securing the work with pins.
THE DRAWING.
They can in some manner supplement what they lack, by practicing them with great accuracy.
CHAPTER SEVEN.
Containing various practices & inventions for copying a drawing or a painting.
There are several ways to make a copy of a drawing or a painting that one wishes to imitate; these can be used when one is not skilled enough in drawing to do it by sight: this is why we will detail them one by one, & explain how one must proceed to succeed.
Method for tracing a drawing.
The first method is tracing, which is done in this way. The underside of the print or drawing that one wishes to copy must be darkened, or else a thin sheet of paper is used when one does not want to damage the original. This paper is darkened with black pencil powder, which is spread over it, rubbing strongly with a small cloth pad. Then, another cloth is lightly passed over it, so that no black powder remains, which could dirty the paper on which one wishes to draw. One attaches the print, or the darkened drawing, onto this paper with four pins, to prevent it from moving: & if it is a paper that has been darkened, it is placed
Translation Notes:
Estampe: This refers to a print or engraved image, which was a common method for reproducing images before modern photocopying.