De arte graphica The art of painting / by C.A. Du Fresnoy ; with remarks ; translated into English, together with an original preface containing a parallel betwixt painting and poetry, by Mr. Dryden ; as also A short account of the most eminent painters, both ancient and modern, continu'd down to the present times, according to the order of their succession, by another hand.

THE PREFACE OF THE French Author.

AMong all the beautiful and delightful Arts, that of Painting has always found the most Lovers; the number of them almost including all Mankind. Of whom great multitudes are daily found, who value themselves on the knowledge of it; either because they keep company with Painters, or that they have seen good Pieces; or lastly, because their Gusto is naturally good. Which notwith∣standing, that Knowledge of theirs (if we may so call it) is so very superficial, and so ill ground∣ed, that it is impossible for them to describe in what consists the beauty of those Works which they admire, or the faults which are in the greatest

part of those which they condemn: and truly 'tis not hard to find, that this proceeds from no other cause, than that they are not furnish'd with Rules by which to judge, nor have any solid Foundati∣ons, which are as so many Lights set up to clear their understanding and lead them to an entire and certain knowledge. I think it superfluous to prove that this is necessary to the knowledge of Painting. 'Tis sufficient, that Painting be ac∣knowledg'd for an Art; for that being granted it follows without dispute, that no Arts are with∣out their Precepts. I shall satisfy my self with telling you, that this little Treatise will furnish you with infallible Rules of judging truly: since they are not onely founded upon right Reason but upon the best Pieces of the best Masters, which our Author hath carefully examin'd during the space of more than thirty years; and on which he has made all the reflections which are necessary to render this Treatise worthy of Posterity: which though little in bulk, yet contains most judicious Remarks, and suffers nothing to escape that is es∣sential to the Subject which it handles. If you will please to read it with attention, you will find it capable of giving the most nice and deli∣cate sort of Knowledge, not onely to the Lovers, but even to the Professors of that Art.

It would be too long to tell you the particular advantages which it has above all the Books which hath appear'd before it in this kind: you need onely to read it, and that will convince you of this truth. All that I will allow my self to say, is onely this, That there is not a word in it, which carries not its weight; whereas in all others, there are two considerable faults which lie open to the sight, (viz) That saying too much, they always say too little. I assure my self, that the Reader will own 'tis a work of general profit, to the Lovers of Painting, for their instruction how to judge exactly; and with Knowledge of the Cause, which they are to judge. And to the Painters themselves, by removing their difficulties, that they may work with pleasure; because they may be in some manner certain that their Productions are good. 'Tis to be used like Spirits and preci∣ous Liquours, the less you drink of it at a time 'tis with the greater pleasure: read it often, and but little at once, that you may digest it better; and dwell particularly on those passages which you find mark'd with an Asterism* For the observations which follow such a Note, will give you a clearer Light, on the matter which is there treated. You will find them by the Numbers which are on the side of the Translation, from five

to five Veres; by searching for the like Number in the Remarks which are at the end of it, and which are distinguish'd from each other by this note ¶. You will find in the latter Pages of this Book, the Judgment of the Author on those Painters, who have acquir'd the greatest Repu∣tation in the World. Amongst whom, he was not willing to comprehend those who are now living: They are undoubtedly his, as being found among his Papers written in his own hand.

As for the Prose Translation which you will find on the other side of the Latine Poem, I must inform you on what occasion, and in what manner it was perform'd. The Love which I had for Pain∣ting, and the pleasure which I found in the Ex∣ercise of that noble Art, at my leisure hours, gave me the desire of being acquainted with the late Mr. du FRESNOY; who was generally reputed to have a through knowledge of it. Our Ac∣quaintance at length proceeded to that degree of Intimacy; that he intrusted me with his Poem, which he believ'd me capable both of understan∣ding, and translating; and accordingly desir'd me to undertake it. The truth is, that we had convers'd so often on that Subject, and he had communicated his Thoughts of it so fully to me; that I had not the least remaining difficulty con∣cerning

it. I undertook therefore to translate it, and imploy'd my self in it with Pleasure, Care, and Assiduity; after which, I put it into his hands, and he alter'd in it what he pleas'd, till at last it was wholly to his Mind. And then he gave his Consent that it should be publish'd: but his Death preventing that Design, I thought it a wrong to his Memory, to deprive Mankind any longer of this Translation, which I may safe∣ly affirm to be done according to the true sence of the Author, and to his liking: Since he him∣self has given great Testimonies of his Approba∣tion to many of his Friends, and they who were acquainted with him, know his humour to be such, that he wou'd never constrain himself so far, as to commend what he did not really approve. I thought my self oblig'd to say thus much, in vin∣dication of the faithfulness of my Work, to those who understand not the Latine: for as to those who are conversant in both the tongues, I leave them to make their own judgment of it.

The Remarks which I have added to his work, are also wholly conformable to his opinions; and I am certain that he wou'd not have disapprov'd them. I have endeavour'd in them to explain some of the most obscure passages, and those which are most necessary to be understood; and

I have done this according to the manner wherein he us'd to express himself, in many Conversations which we had together. I have con••••in'd them also to the narrowest compass I was able, that I might not tire the patience of the Reader, and that they might be read by all persons. But if it happens, that they are not to the tast of some Readers (as doubtless it will so fall out) I leave them entirely to their own discretion, and shall not be displeas'd that another hand shou'd suc∣ceed better. I shall onely beg this favour from them, that in reading what I have written, they will bring no particular gusto along with them, or any prevention of mind, and that whatsoever judgment they make, it may be purely their own, whether it be in my favour, or in my condem∣nation.