NOTICE

to offer my humble talents to those who appreciate them. I also cannot fail to acknowledge here the immense gratitude I owe to God, for having taken pity on me in my sorrowful state, enlightened my mind, strengthened my memory, and guided my hand. With all this, if someone decides to criticize me, either for the simplicity of my style or for some minor details, and dismisses my work as childish, it will hardly bother me, as long as this 'childish' game is useful to those for whom it is intended. Besides, I believe a simple way of expressing oneself will be more effective than a flowery style, which would be useless in this context, and would not reach the youth's spirit. Therefore, I do not present myself as an orator, as I’ve already implied, but as a man who, charmed by his art, has depicted it on canvas in a clear and comprehensible way for everyone; and from which my son has transcribed it to dedicate to all those who love drawing. Although I provide only the first principles for the youth's use here, this booklet will be greatly useful for anyone to reach an understanding of the fine arts such as painting, architecture, engraving, sculpture, surveying, etc., which one could never learn without the pen or pencil. Furthermore, I have included plates with all required figures, to assist the youth in understanding; and I have neglected nothing that might be beneficial to them: so only envy might find something to criticize. But it is so well known that I no longer fear its blows: I even dare to hope that its sharpest arrows will be blunted against the shield I have opposed, namely, my resolute determination. Nonetheless, my readers, if they honor me by carefully perusing from end to end this small sample of my goodwill towards them, I have no doubt they will find much more than it initially promised. Finally, if this booklet is fortunate enough to please them, I shall feel obligated to provide another soon for the advancement of painting.

Translation Notes

- “Stile fleuri” might be translated as “flowery style,” suggesting an ornamental and complex form of writing.

- “Boudier” in context appears as a miswritten or archaic term, possibly translating to 'shield' or 'protection.'

- “Inéxinfibilité” is likely an error or old form, possibly intended as 'infallibility' or 'invincibility.'