On Drawing

Spending one's money on criminal or useless pleasures could be better dedicated to acquiring beautiful prints, good books on painting, academies focused on design, or plaster figures. Those who truly love this Art must commit wholeheartedly and not give up until they achieve success. Heaven always supports their efforts, as ancient poets rightly said that "the Gods grant no blessing to men without labor." Let's return to our subject.

Since we have already instructed our student in copying a Design, it is appropriate they know the manner of outlining the smiling Face seen here. They should not initially mark the small folds found in illuminated areas, as they would already be too prominent, and the paper's background suffices. Many may not agree with this. Thus, they should begin with the brightest part, namely the Forehead, then move to the Nose, and continue accordingly. To achieve this, they will first create a significant part of light, distributing it as previously discussed, adding highlights. For example, consider a Face crossed by four parallel Lines: one at eye level, another at the nose, the third at the mouth, and the last at the chin. Take a Paper and cover the Face to the highest Line, observing only the forehead: Pass the Pencil over this lit area, then lower the Paper to the second Line and continue with the nose, directly connected to the forehead, moving to the cheeks and eyes, along with their dependencies. You will see how one light leads to another. Next, address the mouth and jaw, reserving the chin for last. Following this method will capture resemblance more closely—similar to a Lady, who, hiding her face under a Fan, incites us to discover her, first showing the eyes, then the nose, the mouth, finally revealing she is as we presumed. To shorten the journey and save time, a good method and observing a natural order is surest.

Now, our young student can draw the most beautiful Plaster Figures available, like APOLLO, the VENUS of Greece, ANTINOUS, and other mold-cast pieces. This can only encourage them and prepare them to become very skilled one day. Gradually, they will refine their drawing skills and transition from imitation of these Plaster Figures to drawing from nature, as one leads to the other as the ultimate step.

Translation Notes:

- "Estampes" translates to "prints," referring to artistic reproductions.
- "Academies deſinées" indicates schools or institutes focused on the art of drawing.
- "Figures de plâtre" means "plaster figures," used for practice and study in art.