The Principles

Example

Here we first present to the students' eyes a Point marked with the letter A; then a perpendicular Line with a B above it; two oblique Lines with a C; a horizontal Line with a D; two curved Lines with an E; and a hooked Line with an F above it.

The students must first form an accurate idea of all these Lines, which should not be difficult for them since they see all these shapes in the physical objects that fall under their eyes every day.

But since they must not merely have the theoretical knowledge of this Art, but also acquire its practice, the Teacher can draw these Lines himself on a Slate and teach them to imitate them with a stroke. There is no doubt they can succeed after trying it for three or four days in a row; but if they still lack something in this regard, the Teacher can easily show them how to hold the chalk and form these lines neatly and boldly. At least if the young students get used to a bad method first, it is harder to correct them later than to have them adopt a proper one from the start. Once this is done, the Teacher can proceed to give them new Lessons and Examples.

Moreover, a Teacher who has two students of about the same age can recognize, through this first Lesson, simple and seemingly trivial as it is, the difference in talents and genius of one over the other; because it often happens that the one who excelled in School shines less here; one, bolder than his companion, will form the lines at once with a strong hand; while the other, more timid, will form his lines with a trembling hand and spoil them consequently. This difference usually arises from the different education given to children. That's why they should be encouraged, early on, to complete their exercises with all the attention they are capable of; because, as Horace says, Book 1, Epistle II, 69, a Vase will long retain the scent of the first liquid that was poured into it.

On another hand, a prudent Teacher must closely observe the mood and inclination of their students to lead them all to their goal, even if they think differently. He must also know how to instruct the Youth successfully and adapt to the extent of their genius.

One should avoid anything that may hinder the advancement of students and maintain a fair balance between laxity and too much severity, although gentleness is always the best way. Kind words and a friendly tone make a thousand times more impression on Youth than a violent reprimand, which is more suited for someone wielding the Rod and the Stick than for someone holding the Palette and the Brush; which should always be handled cheerfully and with pleasure. Moreover, a Teacher must never lose patience.

Translation Notes

- "Touche" has been translated as "stroke" or "chalk," given its context in instruction and drawing methods.

- "Férule" and "Verge" are traditional disciplinary tools symbolizing strictness, contrasted here with artistic implements (Palette and Brush).