Method for Learning

"They have thus shown that they poorly understood Anatomy, since it reveals that they ignored the presence of skin covering the muscles, making them appear softer and smoother; this is part of the human body, and therefore a part of Anatomy. An indication of this point is that women's and children's bodies have all their muscles, just like athletes and the most robust men; however, the fat and flesh covering them prevent us from seeing them clearly."

On the Correction of Nature.

The study of drawing, having been conformed and perfected by that of the living model, suggests that, after following this method for several years, students will find themselves able to imitate nature and to compose figures and groups of their invention. It is then that one can attempt to correct from marble or molds and correct what is defective in nature, following the practice of the creators of beautiful ancient statues to develop a taste. By gathering from here and there what is most excellent, one can make a happy choice and a composition that imitates, as closely as possible, the perfections of the most beautiful nature." For, as the learned author of the "Poem on Painting" says, it is not enough to imitate, point by point, and slavishly, all kinds of nature (a) but the Painter must, as a master, select only the most beautiful from it."

(a) In whatever servile way it is not enough to express Nature itself to the life, but as a judicious Arbiter of Art, the Painter should select only the most beautiful from it. - De Arte Graphica.

Translation Notes:

- "De la correction de la nature" translates to "On the Correction of Nature."
- "De Arte Graphica" is a historical reference to a poetic work on art and painting.