ON DRAWING

Each of these lines is given its own name. This is something that one must remember well and know by heart. For instance, if a line crosses or is closer to the Horizon Line than the Earth Line, it is said to be parallel to the Horizon. Conversely, if it is closer to the Earth Line than the Horizon Line, it is said to be parallel to the Earth Line.

To engage students’ interest, they can sometimes be given an Illustrated Book or Figures defined by the most skilled Masters to browse. These images stimulate a particular kind of emulation in the youth. However, it is important to ensure that the prints are in one book, and the defined figures in another, as these two sorts of things are presented to students with different goals.

The prints serve to entertain them and awaken their minds. After examining one, they are eager to move on to the next, to see what the composition will be. The names of the skilled Masters who engraved them, and the praises associated with them, fill the students with renewed enthusiasm, particularly those who study them attentively. These students resolve to dedicate their lives to this Art, to become skilled in Painting, and to gain a great reputation.

By observing these prints, they can recognize what they have already learned, and in this way, strengthen their understanding of the Art’s rules. After all, who wouldn't be inspired to follow these great Examples? As they reveal a noble Purpose, graceful Figures, a well-chosen arrangement, graceful Actions, expressive Passions, skillfully placed Drapery, suitable attitudes, magnificent Architecture, beautiful Ornaments, charming children, exquisite Order, the variety of Hairstyles and Dressings as per the Armory of Russians, Greeks, and Persians; in short, all that can be found in the best prints.

However, everything is even better seen in the drawings of skilled Masters, and one can gain even more from them, as they teach how to handle the Pencil or Brush with freedom. Whereas one cannot perceive this Art in printed images, where everything is reversed, and seen, so to speak, from the back.

Thus, if young students are given a book loaded with prints and defined Figures, they forget the latter once they cast their eyes on the former. However, putting a book with defined Figures in front of them in sequence, they grow so fond of it that their Imagination is struck and grows stronger every day. Although I have elaborated on this subject, I believe my Readers will not become bored, as this serves the purpose of perfecting Art.

Therefore, referring back to the Proposed Example, our young students will soon understand, themselves, why, and with what view the Lines they see are traced; as this will bring them much pleasure; and a new ardor will animate them. They will also notice that all things tend toward their Center, and the way to progress safely is to learn to arrange everything according to the rules of Art.

This is what Circles, Squares, Triangles, straight and oblique Lines, which they have learned to make, can serve them well. In this way, they shall always be well-prepared to give an account of what they do.

Perhaps someone will say it is already time to examine the progress of our students, and that their parents are eager to know if they are suited for this Art. I have no doubt it would be a great joy for the latter if they learn that their children are beginning to succeed. What we can say on this occasion is that one may have a slower and shyer spirit than the other, and to remedy this, one should be put with a more spirited and lively peer. This is how to encourage the former and make him bolder, while moderating the boldness of the other, which gives

Translation Note: An "Illustrated Book" refers to old artistic prints often used for educational purposes, "prints" refers to etchings or engravings typically used, and "Figures defined" refers to practice drawings by known artists.