ON DRAWING

We assign a specific name to each of these Lines of Distance. It is essential to remember and know them by heart. If there is one line that is more aligned with the Horizon than with the Ground Line, we say it is parallel to the Horizon. Conversely, if it is closer to the Ground Line than to the Horizon, it is said to be parallel to the Ground Line.

To entertain the minds of students, they can occasionally look through a Book of Prints or of Figures defined by the most skilled Masters. This activity ignites a unique emulation among the youth. However, care must be taken to keep the Prints in a separate Book and the defined Figures in another since these two types of materials are intended for students in different ways. Prints are meant to amuse them and stimulate their minds. When they have examined one, they eagerly anticipate the next, curious about its composition. The names of the skilled Masters who engraved them and the praises given in this context fill students with fresh enthusiasm, especially those who consistently observe them and are determined to dedicate their lives to this Art, acquiring skills in Painting and thus gaining a great reputation. They can recognize in these Prints what they have already learned and thus reinforce their understanding of the rules of Art. Indeed, who would not be inspired to follow these great Examples? Admiring noble Designs, elegantly chosen Figures, graceful Actions, vividly expressed Passions, well-arranged Drapery, fitting postures, magnificent Architecture, delightful Ornaments, beautiful Children, exquisite Composition, the variety of Hairstyles and Adornments reflecting various countries such as the Greeks, Romans, Persians—essentially, everything that can be found in the best Prints. However, these are better seen in the Drawings of skilled Masters where even greater benefits can be learned by mastering the Crayon or Brush in a free manner, something that cannot be perceived in the printed Prints where everything is reversed, as it were, against the grain.

Therefore, if young students are given a Book filled with Prints and defined Figures, they tend to forget the latter as soon as they cast their eyes on the former. But, in a Book with defined figures alone, they find so much enjoyment that their Imagination is struck and strengthened day by day. Though I have expounded more on this topic than I anticipated, I flatter myself that my Readers will not be bored, and will not think ill of me since it serves solely to perfect the Art.

I return then to the proposed Example. Our young students will soon themselves realize why and for what purpose the Lines they see have been drawn, which will give them much pleasure and animate them with newfound zeal. They will also notice how everything tends towards a Center, and that the best way to advance with complete security is to learn to arrange everything according to the rules of Art. Circles, Squares, Triangles, Straight & Oblique Lines they have learned to draw will be of good service to them. This approach will always enable them to justify what they do.

Perhaps it may be said that it is already time to examine the progress of our students and that their Parents are eager to know if they are suited to this Art. I do not doubt that it would be a great joy for them if they are told their Children are beginning to succeed. We can only say, in this case, that one may have a slower and more timid spirit than another, and to bring him along, he should be placed next to one of his peers who has more fire and vivacity. This is the way to encourage the first and make him bolder while moderating the boldness of the other, who might give too much...

Translation Notes:

Dessins: Drawings or designs created as preliminary studies. Estampes: Prints, engraved works meant for reproduction.