NECESSARY WARNING

for the Understanding of this TREATISE.

Everyone knows that a beautiful hairstyle enhances a fine form, and a flowing style has great charm to make a writing enjoyable. However, my purpose here is not to use elaborate words, nor to speak of those extraordinary events so well known to historians, to describe at length, to those who love drawing, the excellence, strength, and power of this Art. I have only the utility and instruction of my Readers in view; and it is also from this perspective that I have directed my efforts. This is why I have been so long in doubt about the form I would give to this little work, to encourage them to receive it, read it, and benefit from it in an easy and comfortable manner. I thought in truth that I could only follow the example of so many skilled writers of our century, who have so nobly treated the same subject, even though they have forgotten certain very useful things. However, one should not be surprised at this; because this Art is so vast that one can never possess it perfectly, nor describe it in its entirety. Perhaps also my Readers will find it strange that, knowing this, I dared to undertake such an endeavor myself. But always inspired by the spirit of Painting, as I had laid out the Plan in my good fortune, I believed that the surest way to dispel my worries was to execute it as best as possible, according to the limited scope of my genius. Not that the thought that had occurred to me, concerning the fact that several Authors have published the same things in different terms, had not prevented the execution of my Project, if, to avoid falling into the same defect, I had not taken a new turn, and if I did not have something new to communicate to the Public. Despite all this, I do not doubt that many people will find me guilty of what I blame others for here; but I will console myself easily, since Heaven has given me the grace to overcome more severe trials. The only loss in my life seemed to form a sufficient obstacle, and did not take away all hope of achieving my goal; but penetrated by the beauties of such a noble Art, I feel almost inclined to attempt the impossible, and nothing would prevent me from offering.