On Drawing

Great diversity can only be very advantageous for the progress of studies by young draftsmen. The last twenty pages of this collection consist of views and landscapes by various authors, among which we can cite the famous Van-Goyen, one of the greatest landscape artists that Holland has produced. This volume is completed by twelve very beautiful landscapes by this famous artist, engraved by Jean Visscher, which will be all the more useful because they are views of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands, drawn from nature with all the accuracy and precision one might desire.

On the study of animals & landscape.

The art of drawing usually aims to imitate the outer contours, shapes, and proportions of the human body; and it is indeed its noblest and most difficult object. Moreover, those who succeed in this find themselves having acquired an extreme facility to imitate other productions of nature, each of which, however, demands in its genre, a study and particular attention.

The study of animals must be done from nature when one wants to draw them correctly and with the grace and character unique to each of them; they are animated beings, subjects to various passions, and capable of infinite varied movements. Their parts differ from ours in forms, in joints, and in articulations. It is therefore necessary for a history painter to make studies, especially after animals.

Translation Notes:

- "Dessein" can be translated to "drawing" or "design," depending on context.

- "Dessinateurs" refers to "draftsmen" or "artists" focusing on drawing.

- "Visscher" and "Van-Goyen" are historical artists mentioned for context.