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THE Art of Painting
*PAinting and Poesy are two Sisters, which are so like in all things, that they mu∣tually lend to each other both their Name and Office. One is call'd a dumb Poesy, and the other a speaking Picture. The Poets have never said any thing but what [ 5] they believ'd wou'd please the Ears. And it has been the constant endeavour of the Painters to give pleasure to the Eyes. In short, those things which the Poets have thought unworthy of their Pens, the Painters have judg'd to be unworthy of their Pencils. * For both of them, that they might contribute all within their power to the sacred Honours of Religion, have rais'd them∣selves [ 10] to Heaven, and, having found a free ad∣mission into the Palace of Iove himself, have en∣joy'd the sight and conversation of the Gods; whose Majesty they observe, and contemplate the wonders of their Discourse; in order to relate them to Mankind; whom at the same time they inspire with those Coelestial flames, which shine so gloriously in their Works. From Heaven they