The text discusses the importance of patience and structured learning in art, suggesting that young students must be trained and equipped gradually with skills like handling a brush. It argues against the perception that focusing only on art could shame children, insisting instead on art's utility in shaping judgment and tranquility. Additionally, it posits that the pursuit of art complements personal virtues like temperance and wisdom, often exceeding in value beyond material wealth.
THE PRINCIPLES
Sometimes a little too focused. This method produces good effects for both sides, and an exchange that is equally advantageous; besides, it draws more respect for the Master. In truth, one can already see: a young boy with a good memory, which is a beautiful gift; and discover the intentions of the parents towards him, since it often happens that they do not want to guide him towards painting; and it must be admitted that not all minds are equally suited for it. But one should not decide too quickly, because apprentices should be firmer in design and further along in understanding the connections, figures, and the exterior of objects. Then, they are given more difficult examples to imitate; and they are trained to handle the brush, gradually preparing them to paint human figures, which are the most perfect creatures of this world. That is why they must know how to define all the parts, with the wonderful arrangement seen in them & the joints that hold them together firmly. Thus, one will be able to discover, as in a faithful mirror, what they will be suited for and what they can accomplish one day. At least, if they first learn to trace all these parts well, following the rules of art, everything else, however difficult, will come naturally, and that is how we will lead them to what is most perfect.
However, this method will not please many people, under the pretext that they do not want to make their children just simple draftsmen, and that it will bring them shame; even though it suffices, on the other hand, for this occupation to keep their children from running through the streets. Today, everyone admits that this noble exercise is highly useful, since it helps to identify the talents of youth; & if they have a genius for Geometry, Painting, Architecture, Goldsmithing, or any other Profession that requires some wit; besides, drawing greatly aids in regulating vision and forming judgment. I dare even say that there is no Art or Science where it is not as necessary as hands are for helping us eat. Despite all this, one sees that rich and distinguished people should first teach their children to dance and sing; and when they become more robust, to handle weapons and ride horses: all exercises concerning the body; while neglecting those that serve to perfect the mind; & they surpass others, like the soul is more excellent than the body. It is thus that children are raised, without almost any care for education, for which they have too strong a passion for wealth: But what will it serve them to be adorned with a noble and illustrious family, if Fortune turns its back on them? They will have nothing useful left, and nothing will remain for them. So much so that one can well apply here the words of CATO, who said: Opes fluxae, Ars perpetua; meaning that riches fly away, but Industry & Science remain.
Moreover, there is nothing more suitable than this noble exercise for calming the fiery temperament of youth. Even Lions, the fiercest of all Animals, become tamed with time. Everything that cooperates pleasantly helps to moderate the Passions; & a mild nature opposed to a fickle spirit forms an admirable temperament, as we have already often observed. The Ancients also believed that the sour and the sweet mixed together composed the Nectar of the Gods. So when parents see that their children, who apply themselves to our Art, become wiser, and they no longer love to run in the streets but to stay in the room where they take pleasure in their work; it seems to me that they should abandon them, so to speak, to the discretion of their masters, especially if they believe the latter are skilled in their profession, and inclined to neglect nothing for the instruction of their pupils. When progress is made on both sides, the Master and the Disciple encourage each other. It is not by sleeping, & without any effort that one becomes skilled in anything; but when one truly desires to learn, one can be sure of success. This zeal needs hardly more instruction than a fertile vigor requires remedies.
I have found by experience that a mind is more successful in Painting than a melancholy temperament. The inclination combined with liveliness has always made extraordinary men, especially in this noble Art, which is of such vast...
Translation Notes:
1. "Opes fluxae, Ars perpetua": Latin phrase meaning "riches are fleeting, but art is everlasting".