A book of perspective & geometry, being the ABC, and first degree of all good art. The learning of which comprehendeth in it many notable arts, needfull and necessary for every artificer and workman. For as no perspective workman can make any work without architecture, so neither can the architecture without perspective. Which perspective is inspection or looking into by shortning of the sight, making it to shew further then in effect it is. ... And seing [sic] perspective art is nothing without geometry, they are both bound together, that the workman may be able to aide and help himselfe therewith. And forasmuch as the hand cannot effect the understanding of the mind, I shall not please thereby such as are curious, yet at least I shall help yong beginners that know little or nothing thereof. This second book of architecture made by Sebastian Serly, entreating of perspective, touching the superficies, translated out of Itallian into Dutch, and out of Dutch into English, ...

THE SECOND BOOK Treating of PERSPECTIVE: IN Which is shewed in Figures and by reason, as much of Perspective Art; that if the Workeman will, he may declare is conceit or purpose by Reasons and Figures.

FIRST, To the end that men by small mattere may attaine to greater, therefore I will begin to shew how to shorten a four-corner'd thing, from whence all the rest shall be derived. Then the Base of this four-square thing, shall be A G, and the height of the Horison (as I said before) shall be imagined according to the sight, and that shall be P, whereunto all the lines do run, as the lines of the sides A P and G P, then at the one end of the Quadrant you must set a Perpen∣dicular line, which is G H, which done, then draw the Base A G K long enough, and then out of the Horison draw a Paralell or an E∣quidistant line from the Base, as far as you will that the eye or sight shall stand from that which you will look on; for how much the more you will have the four square thing to seem shorter, so much further you must goe with your sight I from H to behold the four-square thing. And then, taking H I for the distance, from the point I to the corner A draw a line, and where the line cutteth through the Perpendicular line H G, that is on B, there the termination of the shortning of the four square thing shall be, as you may see in the figure ••. But if you will make more four squares one above the o∣ther, upon the same Horison or poynt; then you must draw another lien from the shortning point of the four-square or Quadrant, to the letter I, and where it cutteth through the Perpedicular line afore∣said,

that is at C, there the second Quadrant shall be cut off, and in like sort you must draw another line to the point of the distance; and where it toucheth the Lead, or Perpendicular line, that is on D, you shall make the third Quadrant, the same may be done witn E, and so you must go untill you come just under the Horison.

2 The Rule aforesaid is the perfectest, and you may prove it by the line G H, which is called the line of the Quadrant; but because it is cumbred with a great number of lines, and so more tedious, there∣fore the ensuing Rule shall be shorter, and easier to be done then the other: for when the Base A G is drawn, and the two side lines make a Triangle A P G, then you must draw the paralells of the Base and of the Horison long enough; and as far as you will stand from the work to see it, so far you must set the Perpendiculars I K from the poynt G, then you must draw a line from the point I to the point A, and where it cutteth through the line G P, there shall be the termi∣nation of the first shortned Quadrant; and if you will place more Quadrants upwards from that Quadrant, you must doe as I said be∣fore: and although there are other ways to shorten a Quadrant, yet will I follow this Order, as being the shortest and easiest to be set down in writing.

3 A Man must also use himselfe unto divers distances and grounds, and therefore you must make the ground following, which is of three Quadrants high, in this manner. First, you must draw the line A B, as long as the bredth of the work shall be; which line or base, must be devided into so many equall parts as are needfull, which being all drawn to the Horison or point, then you must place the distances as far as you defire, according to the Rule aforesaid; for here is no place to set it in, although it is a length and a halfe from the Base, as you see it marked with 1 ½, which Base, because it is of four parts, therefore the first quadrant containeth sixteen small quadrants, which are found by the line B D, for where that line cut∣teth through the four lines, which goe to the poynt, there you must draw the paralell over, that thereby the sixteen quadrants may be formed: But if you will set other quadrants upon it, then (as afore∣said) you must draw another line to the distance D, and where that cutteth through the other lines that reach to the poynt, that shall be the termination of the second quadrant, containing in it also four times four quadrants: The like must be understood of the third quadrant (and more besides if need be.) But you must also un∣derstand, that the lines marked D run all the distances, as is taught befor••.

4 If you will make a pavement with great quadrants to be cut or compassed with fascien, fasen or lists, as you will terme them, then upon A B you must devide the fasen or quadrants and draw them all to the Horison; then you must imagine the distances as you are raught before: and the line B D being drawn from the poynt B to the poina of the distances; then by cuiting through of the Horisen∣tall lines, it will shew the terminations of the quadrants, Fasen, or Borders. To draw the Paralells, then if you will make the like qua∣drant somewhat higher, then you must draw another line to the

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distances; and where it touched the Horisontall or Radiall lines, there also you must draw the Paralells through, so you must also do with the third, and the poynt of the distances of these figures stand as far from A, as the line or Base A B is long: If you will make di∣vers formes in these quadrants, as Roots, Crosses, six poynts, or eight poynts, I will shew the manner of them particularly, because I will be as briefe herein as I may.

5 This figure is a quadrant, containing in it a Root or an other quadrant, which with the poynts thereof toucheth the sides of the uttermost quadrant; whereby it is but halfe so great as the utter∣most quadrant, as I have taught you in the first Book of Geometry, and the manner to make this, is thus: First, you must make a qua∣drant (as you are taught before) with his distances; and in this quadrant you must draw two Diagonall lines, and also the right crosse lines, whereby you may easily find the Root, as you see it in the 5 figure. In this sort you may make the Roots in the other qua∣drants before set down, that is, to draw Diagonall and crosse lines in them without taking other distances.

6 In this figure there is a crosse shewed (to make it) you must devide the lowest line or Base of the quadrant in five parts; of the which five parts, one part is the bredth of the crosse: which bred••h being drawn to the poynts, the Diagonall will shew you the Paralell lines of the crosse, to use where need is.

7 The eight poynted figure you may see in Perspective works in divers formes, which formes are all difficult enough: but that I may seek the easiest way so near as I can in this my writing; there∣fore I have set down the manner thereof hereunto annexed, which is very easie, and that is thus: The quadrant being made in short∣ning, you must devide the Base into ten-equall parts, and on either side you shall leave three parts, and in the middle four parts, then the two lines being drawn to the Horison, you shall find the termi∣nations of the Paralell lines, by the Diagonall lines, whereby you may close up the eight corners, as you may see in the 7 figure.

8 The shortest way to place this six cornerd quadrant, in Perspe∣ctive works, is thus: When the quadrant according to the Rule aforesaid, is placed in shortning, then you must make four equall parts of the Basis, whereof two shall be in the middle, and on each side you must leave one, and then draw the lines upwards to the Ho∣rison or poynts; then you must draw the Diagonall lines, and in the middle where they meet together, you must draw a Paralell line clean through, by the which you shall sinde all the poynts to make this six cornerd figure.

9 Now I have shewed you how you shall make simple or plaine Perspective works of four corners, of six corners, and eight square corners. Now I will shew, now you shall make them double, that is, that every simple figure shall have his band. When you have made a plaine Superficies of six poynts, according to the Rule afore∣said; then as much as you will have the band or fase to be in bredth, that you must draw upon the Base, and draw that also up to the Ho∣rison; and where the Diagonall lines cut through it, there you

must draw Paralell lines both under and above; and then draw two Diagonall lines more, out of the four innermost poynts or corners of the six cornerd Superficies, and so you shall find your terminations to shut or close up your smallest six poynts or cornerd Superficies. Which second Diagonall, Paralell, and Horisontall lines are all drawn with pricks, for a difference from the first lines, that you may know them one from another.

10 The like must be done with the eight cornerd Superficies or Perspective work, for when the same is made within a foursquare, making the Compasse of what bredth you will, according to the rule aforesaid; then out of every poynt or corner of the eight square, a small line being drawn to the Center, you shall find the termination to shut up the innermost eight-square; and then, when from poynt to poynt the lines are drawn, then one square or Com∣passe is full made. This eight square forme may be changed into a round, touching the middle on either side, or else without over the poynts for corners; a good workman may easily draw a Circular shortning round line with his hand.

11 Although I have said before that a man may make a round Circle about an eight-square, yet for more security you may by this way attaine to a more perfection therein; for that the more poynts or sides the Circular forme hath, the round Compasse or Circle will be the fuller. But to make this Figure, it is necessary to make halfe a Circle under the Bases, and to devide the Circumference into as ma∣ny parts as you will, so that they be even; in this forme the halfe Circle is divided into eight parts, so that the whole Circle must be sixteen parts; which being done, you must set Perpendicular lines in all the parts of the Circumference, as far as to the Bases of the shortned quadrant, these parts being elevated to the Horison, and two Diagonall lines drawn in the quadrant, they by cutting through the Horisontall or Radicall lines, will shew you the Paralell lines. Then if you will draw a little Diagonall line, beginning at the mid∣dle poynt of the Base, from the one side unto the other, and so from the one poynt unto the other upwards going over the poynts, then the formes will be closed, as you see them here; whereby it will be easie for you to draw a round forme with your hand, for it is impos∣sible to be done with a Compasse to make it shorten well. This 11 figure you must be expert in, and you must also understand it well, and so you must those that I have before set down, before you pro∣ceed further; for they will serve you for many pieces of work here∣after ensuing, as you shall both see and find to be true.

12 When you understand the figure aforesaid perfectly, then you must proceed further, and shut the round Circle also with an edge or border, according to the bredth that you will have; you must also make the uttermost halfe Circle, and the aforesaid parts of the great Circle drawn towards the Center, will come into the small Circle; the which parts of the small Circle being also set down in Perpendicular lines with pricks not to darken the other lines, and those likewise that are drawn to the Horison. Then by cutting through of the Diagonall lines, you shall find the Paralell lines.

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To make the innermost shortning a round or Circle, according to the first example set down, as you may see; the first round with perfect lines, the second with pricks, as you see in the 12 figure.

But, friendly Reader, you must not be weary to be long in lear∣ning this Figure, or in making it oftentimes, untill you can doe it perfectly and understand it well; for I am sure and certaine, that it will be very hard unto many men, yet without this you cannot doe much; and he that can do it well, shall easily understand and make all the the things hereafter ensuing.

13 It falleth out many times that a workman will shew a House both without and within, which to doe, he must place the ground in Perspective forme, that he may the surer and better draw that up which he will have seen, and to leave the rest on the ground; if then you will place a foundation in Perspective manner, to make it well, you must first set it on a flat forme, that out of that you may draw it into a Perspective forme.

To doe this, I have set down a kind of open Building, that a man may the easier conceive it for a beginning, for when a man can doe this well, he may after that place many other and harder things in Perspective forme. I need not to take any great paines to write or shew how this shortning should be done, because it is so easily and so openly placed in the figure that a man may presently conceive it: for that leading all the lines that goe from the corners and outsides of the flat ground to the Base, which you will make in the shortning; and the same being drawn up to the Horison, together with the imagination of the distances; then you may shut or close up the shortning four square. Then you must draw the Diagonall lines therein, through drawing the Paralell lines, presently you shall find the way how to forme the Columns and Pilasters; so that it is im∣possible to faile therein; and especially for those that doe well con∣ceive and understand that which I have set down before.

14 This figure following is somewhat harder then that before, but when you goe from the smallest to the greatest, you conceive things the easier, and especially he that will learne this Art; he must not leave nor refuse to exercise any of the Figures before set down, but must use all the diligence he can to be perfect in them all, and be must also take a pleasure to doe them all, otherwise he that will omit now one, and then another, because he can hardly under∣stand or conceive them (although I labour and strive at all times in setting down these Rules to shew all difficulties) shall little profit himselfe in this Art. The manner how to place this ground in Per∣spective forme, is easily conceived, without any other Demonstra∣tion: for you must follow the manner or operation of the figure before set down, with this Advertisement, That the two Diagonall lines evermore direct the work, together with the Horisontall lines: and although a man may shew many formes of grounds that are to be placed in shortning, yet these two shall suffice for this time, be∣cause I have other things to entreat off: for a skilfull workman, by the help of these, may forme others for his purpose; and such as be shall have occasion to use. And if he will erect any piece of work

for a shew he must necessarily first measure the Orthography with the same measure that he measureth the ground withall, and then place it in a shortning manner, as when time serveth, shall be shewed.

15 Touching the grounds and other Superficies of divers forms, I think I have sufficiently spoken Now I will speak of Bodies which are drawn up out of the ground: And first, you know that I have taught before, how you should frame an eight-square forme plainly in it selfe; and then, I have shewed how you should com∣passe this Figure about, with a border or edge: but if a workman will shew an eight-square Figure in Perspective wise, as a Well; then he must first make the ground, as he is taught before, as high as he will, that the said Well shall stand elevsted above the ground or foot thereof: there he must make the same forme once againe, drawing it to the same Horison; then from all the uppermost cor∣ners or poynts to the lowest, you must draw Perpendicular lines as well from the innermost figures, as from the uttermost, whereby the through cutting eight square bodies will be formed, as you may see in the 15 Figure.

16 I have spoken before of the open frame of a Well with eight poynts or corners, which is necessary to be learned, how to make it, before you make the solid body thereof, as this Figure 16 sheweth, which is the same that is before shewed, both forme and measure, but all the lines which cannot outwardly be seen, are hidden; and there is as much difference between an open body and a solid, as there is between the modell of a mans body, that is nothing but bones without flesh and skin; and a living body of a man covered over with flesh (although it is hidden under it.) And as those Pain∣ters are much perfecter that have seen, and perfectly beheld right Anatomies, then others that onely content themselves with the outward bare shew of the Superficies, so it is with Perspective works; for they that well understand and perfectly bear in minde the bidden lines, they shall better understand the Art then others, that content themselves only with the shew of outward Superficies. It is very true, that when a man hath sufficiently experimented, practised, and beareth in his mind these inward hidden lines, then helping himselfe with the principall, he may make many perfect things, without using all this labour.

17 For these three figures, every one is drawn out of the foure∣square, in such manner as I have taught before; and they goe all three to one Horison or poynt as they should doe, or as need requi∣reth; by the which figures any man may help himselfe in many things, as I have further declared: and he that is perfect in theses may make all kind of round formes, and without knowing of these he can doe little in round formes. For out of these Figures you may draw a round Solude or Piramidal Building with Pillars, or without Pillars; and also a round winding paire of Stayers: for this Figure will shew you how to make the Stayers round, with other things more, and yet not without your own industry, for the things that by these may be made are wonderfull and infinite, so that you wax

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not weary, and spare no paines till you are perfect in them, because that the bowing or Arches of gates and other things will seem hard unto you, as I will hereafter shew you; notwithstanding that they take their beginning altogether from these.

But if any man that desireth to learn this Art, will at the first un∣derstand these figures, as some bluntly will take upon him to do it. I believe certainely, he will be put to an non plus, and deceive him∣selfe; but if by learning all the former things, he proceedeth unto these as well in Geometry as in Perspective Art: Then, I say, he is of a very grosse understanding, if he cannot understand or conceive these figures, or the figures that hereafter follow.

These three figures, to speak truth, are but Superficies; neverthe∣lesse, if you draw Perpendicular lines from all the terminations, as well within as without: then you shall have a through cutting or open body, and the innermost lines covered, then they will be a Massy body: And wonder not, gentle Reader, nor let it be strange unto you, though I doe sometimes make a long discourse of some things, for (as I said before) they are not onely learned by many words and great paines, but it is also necessary that they were shewed unto some men plainly by drawing them before them, that they may the better conceive them.

18 The most part of great Rivers or water-falls that fall down from high Hills or Mountains, by means of tempests with great force and power, when they enter into a Valley, then sometimes they run out of their Channell, and so much ground as they then usurp upon the one side, so much they loose againe one the other side; and so doth Perspective work in cornerd things, for that as much as a man loseth of the poynt or corner whereon he looketh, so much greater the other poynt or comer sheweth that standeth out, which is shewed in the figures 18, hereunto annexed.

The Reader must then mark, that the square in the middle signi∣fieth the thicknesse of a foure-square Columne or Pillar, and the border that is without and goeth about it, signifieth the thicknesse or bearing out of the Bases and the Capitall. The figure under this platforme is the Base, and the uppermost figure is the Capitall; the manner how to shorten them I will shew you, You must make the Pillar flat before without thicknesse, and upon it you shall forme the Bases and Capitall, making the projecture or bearing out there∣of on either side alike, but you must draw them lightly as the pricks herein set down doe shew you: then draw the side of the Pillar which you will have seen towards the Horison; and having found how thick the decreasing or shortning side must be, by the rules that are shewed in the first part of Perspective work, so you shall have the the shortning ground of the Pillar, wherein you must light∣ly draw the two Diagonall lines long enough through, and from the Bases below, which is seen in the shortning; you must draw a line towards the Horison, which you shall also let goe down or sink so far, till it reacheth beneath the Diagonall lines, and there shall be the terminations of the shortning Bases: and thus you see that the Perspectivenesse taketh somewhat off from them, that is, the space

between the poynts, and the full back line; then from the termina∣tions to the other uttermost poynt of the Bases, you must draw a Paralell line under the ground of the Pillars, so long that it may touch the Diagonall lines, and there you shall find that which is ta∣ken of from the Bases on the one side, and given to them on the o∣ther side, and the projecture of the Bases sheweth, that the one poynt is draw inwards, and the other cometh further out, then the uppermost line of the Bases being also to the Horison; then upon the shortning side by a line you shall find the third part of the Bases below, and that which is here spoken of the Bases, you must under∣stand the same also of the Capitalls.

19 These other three Figures are the same which are shewed be∣fore; the first were hollow, but these are perfect and solid with all their members, and although that in the figures before I have not shewed how you should forme and frame these members, which in truth would be a very confused and troublesome thing to set down in writing; therefore I have onely shewed the first terminations, that a man may keep them well in his memory, and in these present Figures I have shewed how they shew in a mans sight, that you may see the effect that they work: but from henceforward because (as I said before) it is a troublesome thing, I will make another forme of them with all their members by dark lines; and then (according to my ability) I will set down the manner how to find the termina∣tions of the members one after another, for all of them grow a little one over, or more then the other.

But you must consider, that these Bases and Capitalls on the one side give in ward, and on the other side beareth out, which you must well remember, that you may first be well instructed herein touch∣ing that which you will make. For it is true, that the Theorick consisteth in the understanding; but experience is gotten by pra∣ctise and right use or handling: Therefore the most notable Painter Leonardus Vinci, was never pleased nor satisfied with any thing that he made, bringing but little work to perfection, saying, the cause thereof was that his hand could not effect the understanding of his mind: And for my part, if I should doe as he did, I should not, neither would I suffer any of my works to come forth: for (to say the truth) whatsoever I make or write, it pleaseth me not, but (as I said in the beginning of my work) that I had rather exercise in work that small talent, which it hath pleased God to bestow upon me, then suffer it to lie and rot under the earth without any fruit; and although I shall not please thereby such as are curious, to set down the ground and perfection of all things, yet at least I shall help yong beginners that know little or nothing thereof, which hath al∣ways been my intent.

20 For that (as I said before) of Projecture in Prospective work, it would be great labour and much work to finde all the termina∣tions of the parts or members, and especially because they doe al∣ways wax greater as they comefurther outward, as well those which we behold from beneath upwards, as those that we behold from a∣bove downwards; yet I have not spared to make this 20 Figure,

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and to forme and proportion it with all the members and parts thereof, that you may the better understand it. In the first figure but one, next to this, I have shewed how you shall finde the termi∣nations of the poynts of the Projecture, which are made plain with∣out any members; the easier to conceive how things wax bigger when they come further outwards. But now I think that men un∣derstand it well, I will shew the means and manner how to finde the inlarging of all the members particularly by themselves, every one according to their greatnesse or smalnesse of their Projecture.

And first, You must frame this Base with all the members, and with the right Projecture thereof, to be without any shortning be∣fore, yet you must draw it lightly with a piece of Lead, or some o∣ther thing, as it is shewed unto you in the Figure with pricks; then in the ground or foot of the Pillar you must draw the two Diago∣nall lines long enough out, and thereby (as I said before) you shall find the diminishing and the increasing of the particuler parts of the crests of the said Base, whereas the undermost line or foot of the crests of the Base, bear much more broader and longer then those that are marked with the pricks; then at each corner of the Creast of the Base you must draw an upright line almost as high as the first creast of the Base (although I have done it) but upon the uttermost poynt not to comber the work within: then you must draw the uppermost corners of the first Creast with pricks also, toward the Horison, which downwards will touch against the two upright lines; and there shall be the terminations to close or shut up the se∣cond great Creast with a full black line: then draw another black line from the innermost point of the Creast upwards to the Horison, and there the shortning Creast shall be closed.

And as this Creast or Plinthus is closed and drawn on all sides with black lines, so you must doe with all the other lines of the Base, for when from the uppermost corner of the first marked Base you draw a helding line to the innermost corner of the greatest Creast with the black lines, by it you shall lightly find the terminations of all the parts or members, drawing the corners of the first Base to∣wards the Horison. And when you have formed all the innermost corners of the Bases, by the Horisentall line you may easily doe the second, and by the Paralell lines the uttermost of all; although by the lines of the distances, you may bring the said corners somewhat nearer, as you may see by the Diagonall lines. But at this time I will not speak of that difficult or hard work, for he that hath any under∣standing, may herewith help himselfe.

That which is here said of the Bases, you must also understand of the Cornices, onely that every thing is contrary; and where you set Perpendicular lines below, which cut through the Horisentall or Radiall lines, so you must also fall above the Lead lines or Catheten upon the Horisentall lines, as you may better see it and learne it in the Figure, then it can be expressed by words: and you must not be afraid or abashed, although at first you cannot conceive it, for that by practising you shall in time find it; for it is not said that a man shall or can learne all things at once in one day: by this Cor∣nice

you may make all Cornices, be they higher or lower, harder or easier, always drawing every member and part towards the Horison, as it should be done.

21 Although there are divers manners and wayes to place Co∣lumns one behind the other, standing upon one ground in Perspe∣ctive wise, thereby to make Portals, Galleries, and other things, yet this hereunto annexed is the easiest.

First, You must make a Pavement with a quantity of four cor∣nerd Quadrants, as it is also shewed in the beginning of this Book, which may be made of such bredth, as you will: Say that these foure-square stones are two foot broad, which shall be the thickness of a Pillar: between the two first Pillars beneath in the bredth, there shall be eight sequare stones, and the height of the Pillars made of what quantity you will; and they being raised toward the Hori∣son, then you must draw two severall lines over both the Pillars, and then out of the middle of the first line you must make two halfe Cir∣cles above upon the flat side before, and devide them in as many parts as you will; which parts shall be drawn to the Center of the halfe Circle, standing in the uppermost line: then out of the middle of the two severall lines you must draw the lesse halfe Circle, and all terminations of the flat Arch being drawn to the Horison, then the first Arch or Gate is made: the other two Pillars upwards shall also stand eight Quadrants distant from the first Pillars, which will make a foure cornerd place on all sides, containing 64 square stones; and you must doe with this Gate as you did with the first, onely (when they are all of one widenesse as these are) you need not devide the Arches againe, for the Horisentall lines of the stones of the first Arch will shew you the terminations of all the other Arches, and also how long the Gallery must be, and how many Arches it must containe. I have placed no Arches here in the sides, because I would not cum∣ber you too much at this time; but I will speak thereof hereafter particularly.

The two Doors on each side are both partly covered with the Pillars, but the widenesse of them is of four Quadrants, besides that from the corner of the Doors to the Pillars on each side there is two Quadrants, as you see the halfe thereof; and the other halfe you must suppose to be behind the Pillars. The beams above the Ar∣ches which bear up the Chamber above, you may guesse, although I write not particularly thereof: I have not likewise set the Bases nor the Capitalls upon these Pillars, because they should not darken them too much; but in another place I will also entreat thereof.

22 These 2 Bows or Arches are only made to know how to joyn their Bases and Capitalls to them, whereof in two severall places I have spoken before, and shewed how they rise on the one side, and fall or decrease in fight on the other side; that a man may the better learn how to doe them: for in truth, if a man could shew it unto you in effect, you would the easier understand it; but to set it down in writing or Figures as I doe, that men hereafter might know and learn them, it is requisite to entreat of them more at large, and that you may the better discerne and perceive the poynts of the thin lines

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from the other poynts or corners of the black lines; therefore here I have placed the poynt of the distances and the Horison down∣ward; and have placed the Pillars in other manner upon this ground without Quadrant stones: In this manner set the bredth of the two first Pillars upon the Base of such thicknesse as you will, and draw them inwards, towards the Horison, then you must ima∣gine the distances, as I have already taught you: and those distan∣ces are set on both sides, and on either poynt of the distances you must draw a line both toward the right and left poynt or corner of each Pillar.

These Diagonall lines will not onely shew you the thicknesse of the first or foremost Pillars when they shorten, but also the thick∣nesse of the two other Pillars which stand inward, which are all marked with pricks (and as I have likewise said before) that which is here said of the Bases of the Pillars, the same also must be under∣stood upward of the Capitalls: touching the thicknesse of the Bowes or Arches underneath, I have shewed in the Figure before, how you must place the Center in the middle of the foure crosse∣poynt lines, to draw the halfe Circumference: The four-square or Quadrant above, is as great as that below on the ground; I need not shew how you shall make it, for you see it plain enough in the Figure.

23 This Figure is like the former, onely that the members of the Bases and Capitalls are added thereunto, thereby to make it more perfect unto you, and to shew you how a thing will stand when it is full made and finished, although I have shewed it before; neverthe∣lesse, when a man is perfect therein, then he may by practise help himselfe well enough without all this labour; using discretion and bearing in memory that which he hath imprinted in his mind: For in truth, by this means (I mean the ground) a man may by practise make many things, which if they be made with discretion, and by a workman will alwayes beautifie the work, as these bowes or Ar∣ches doe, which under are devided with Quadrants, as you may see them. There are, as you know, first two Centers to forme the Arch underneath, now a wise workman must not alwayes seek for the perfection of the edge of these Quadrants; but for example, Say that the Arch underneath is devided into eight parts, whereof six shall be for the Quadrant, and two parts for the edge or border that runneth about it: now you must devide the space between the one Center and the other, also in eight parts, but they must shorten or lessen a little, that is, the neather part against the upper; and then the Compasse being set somewhat lower, and made narrower, then you must draw the uppermost border; and then the Compasse being set a little below the nethermost Center, you must in like sort draw the other edge or border: after, you must square or devide the Quadrants, leaving the space between both, once so broad again as the other, which must be drawn up towards the Horison; and as much as you will mak the quadrant sink, you must also draw out of the last Center with the Compasse. And in this manner a man may make divers forms and compartments (but as I have said) you must

make them all with judgement, and therefore it is very convenient that a man should be well instructed therein; for that using onely the princicall terminations, you must make the rest by practise: But I am of opinion, that some rigorous Perspective men will take hold of these mywords, (to whom I answer) that if they mean I have failed or done amisse, let them prove what difference there is be∣tween saying and doing.

24 The manner how to make a crosse roofe of a Gallery or House in Perspective work, is alwayes very troublesome to shew it unto any man; and therefore also, it is much more troublesome to de∣clare it in writing for men hereafter to understand it. Neverthelesse, because it is very necessary to be known, I will doe the best I can to shew it.

First, you must chuse the bredth and heigth of the greatest Arch or Bow that you desire to make, and then by the distances you must make a perfect shortning quadrant, and also a lesse Bow or Arch. The greatest Arch before shall be devided into eight equall parts, and those parts must be drawn towards the Horison to the small Arch, which being done, then you must set those parts of the grea∣test Arch below upon the Base; and with the help of the Horisentall and Diagonall lines, you may make a shortning Circle within the quadrant, as in the other places before you have been taught. The terminations hereof shall be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, which shall be set upwards beside the great Arch, as you may see it there also marked with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Without this round below I have drawn the Paralells with pricks to the wall, and where they end, there you must set all your Perpendicular lines upright, which are come out of the Paralell lines of this Circle.

Then you must draw the terminations aforesaid, which are placed above, along by the Perpendicular lines with lines to the Horison; and where the said Horisentall lines cut through the Perpendicular lines, which are drawn up from below, there you must make halfe a shortning Circle; and that which is marked on this side with Ci∣phers, must also be understood to stand on the other, as you see it in the Figure.

These two halfe shortning Circles being made, then you must draw a right black line above out of each of the middles, which are marked 5, and where that cutteth through the middlemost line, which goeth from the greatest Arch to the Horison, there shall be the terminations and also the middle of the crosse work; and then out of all the terminations of the two halfe Circles, you must draw crosse lines on the fides, and where every one of them following an Horisentall, toucheth the Arch marked 2, 3, 4, there the termina∣tions shall stand to forme the halfe Circles in the crosse, through the which a man with a stedfast hand from termination to termina∣tion shall make a shortning halfe round crosse with pricks, as both on the right and left hand you may plainly see in the Figure. In this manner the work should go, although it stood somewhat out at the fides; but it is better first to print it well in your memory, be∣fore you seek an other forme where the Horison standeth on the

[illustration]

[illustration]

[illustration]

one side, that then you may the easier make that which is seen on that side.

25 Having shewed in crosse work on both sides, how you should place the Arches on the sides in shortning manner, and drawn them up out of the ground, although that they be single: now will I shew you a hollow Arch, and the manner how to shorten it: But before I proceed thereunto (for it is very combersome and difficult) first I will shew you the Pilaisters that should carry the said Arches, which Pilaisters stand so plainly in the Figure that I shall not need to take much paines to write of them. In this Figure I have not made the first Arch, that I might not darken the sight of the Arches on the sides, which Arches on the sides, I have also but marked how they shall stand, and are alwayes drawn out of the four-square quadrant, as you see by the order of the four-square quadrant, but the hinder∣most Arch which standeth not in the way, I have drawn fully, and and placed it also in his four-square.

Above in the top or roofe, I have made the round forme, where∣of you may make a Kettle or Tribunall; and you may also make it thus, when it is so me what sunk. Touching the four Pilaisters, they (as I have taught before) are found by the Diagonall lines coming from the poynt of the distances, and also that each Pilaister is three cornerd, standing like a three cornerd hook, and on each end (the Arch resteth, whereof there shall be foure) two Arches before, and two on the sides, so that the roofe will be right four-square, wherein you may make crosse work or other manner of Roofe work. And if you will make other kindes of works by the same, you must alwayes follow this Rule: Item, where you cannot well understand my writing, you must help your selves with the Figures, which Figure also standeth open, so that with a little labour, a man may easily conceive it altogether, although there were nothing spoken of it.

26 Now you see, what way you must follow to place Arches on the sides in shortning manner: And first, you must think upon the third former manner Superficies, wherein I have sufficiently shew∣ed you the manner how to frame a round body; but in this Figure I will shew it more perfectly. Wherefore a man must imagine that the round Body lying below in his four-square is made, and shall serve for the two Bowes on the sides. This Body then being made (as I have shewed before) and as you see it better now, you must first set it, where the Arches begin above the Horison. And the same Perpendicular lines which stand corner-wise from the middle of the four cornerd body, must be set like Paralell lines on the right and left sides upwards from the two Arches, there (as it is aforesaid) to direct the Horisentall lines, as you may see't it plainly in the Fi∣gure. But you must understand, that the two crosses below in this Body, are the two Centers to draw the stones of the Arches both a∣bove and below, they also signifie the Centers of the Bowes upon the Horisentall lines within the Arches.

You must also understand, that the black lines doe forme the Cir∣cumference without, and the pricks or thin lin as betoken the forme

within, which is covered in the Arches; so that the Arches do shew through to be made of pieces, of the which pieces a man may learne to make divers Compartments underneath in the Arch. Now when a man can make this Arch well, then he shall not need still to take all this labour, but by two principall lines helping himselfe with pricks, he may frame the Arch; and especially, because that the Arch which should come before, covereth or bideth a great part of the Arches on both sides; which Arch I have not made here, that I might not darken or shadow the other shortning Arch. Neither need I write any thing of the Circumferences above in the top or Roofe, (nor the eight corners within) for that in the next Figure you shall see them; neither will I speak any thing of the Circum∣ferences in the ground, for they are made (as I have taught you heretofore of all others) and of the round body below (of the which there hath been more said) a man may make many other things which are not here to be spoken of.

27 To place Pillars with their Arches upon grounds or plat∣formes, I think there is sufficient spoken before; and whatsoever I have spoken of foure-square Pillars, is also to be understood of round Columns, for that a man must take all round things, out of four-square things, as well the Spira of the Base, as the round of the Capitall. He that can make all the Figures aforesaid perfectly, and particularly this last body, shall help himselfe well, and not onely to doe the like things, but also many more. If I should in this small Treatise shew all that I could set down, it would make a most great Volumn; and peradventure I should want time to set forth the rest of my Book, which I have already promised: for there are many things that belong to Building, which need not to be set down in Perspective work.

Let us now begin to-raise the Building here set down out of the ground, which before, and on the side is seen, as I promised before to shew you.

The shortest and surest way is, to make a ground with many qua∣drants; and imagine that it is mere with the Foot, with the Elle, or other measure: but let us now take every quadrant for two foot, and as before there are foure quadrants from one Pillar to the other, and the Pillar also containeth a quadran, there shall also be foure quadrants upward in the length from one Pillar the other, as you may see it altogether in the Figure.

The Pillars then being set of such height as you desire, then the the Arches upon them must be made; and the manner how to make them, you may expresly see in the Figure. And although you can∣not see the Arches that are behind them, yet I have made them here that you may see their terminations; they are in some places drawn with full black lines, and in some places with pricks.

Above the Arches you must make the Architrave, Frise and Cor∣nice; the Projecture whereof, you must make as I have said and taught heretofore, that is, how they make their Corners against the two Diagonall lines, and by the like rule you shall also make the up∣permost Cornice, as you may see in the uppermost part, where the

[illustration]

[illustration]

[illustration]

small Quadrant with the Diagonall lines stand. The doors that stand under in the Gallery, are each of them two Quadrants broad, and foure Quadrants high: below in the ground there are certain tokens which shew like Nayles, which signifie the widenesse of the windows above the Cornice; which windows if they stood whole there, then they would be twice as high as they are broad. The o∣ther Nailes upwards between the shortning Pillats, are also the bredth of the shortning Pillars, which (as I said before) are all four Quadrants high, but they are partly covered with the Cornices. The part of the Arch which standeth at the end, is separated from this Gallery, as the ground also sheweth it.

I have here made no Bases nor Capitalls, that the other things might not be confounded: but you must understand that they must be placed in the work, as is sufficiently before shewed. And by this Rule you may draw divers Buildings out of the ground, as in the Figure is shewed in divers formes. The Centers of the Arches you see them marked, standing all upon one Horisentall line.

28 Now I have shewed the manner how to make a Gallery with Arches and Pillars, with other things thereunto belonging; now by an easier way I will shew some forme of Houses that are to be built out of the ground. You must make a ground or foot work with qua∣drants reaching long enough upwards, which quadrants must each of them be reckoned at two foot square.

And first, at the entry of the House there shall be a door of five foot broad, for that it containeth two quadrants and a halfe in the shortning: and the height thereof shall be of ten foot, because it is five quadrants high: Her Pilaisters or Antipagmentum shall be a foot broad, because they containe a halfe shortning quadrant; the Frise shall also containe as much: and the Cornice shall containe so much lesse, as the under part thereof bearing over containeth, and shall be made according to the Rule aforeshewed. Touching the part jetting over the door, the Mogdilions or Mutiles, shall stand right above Pilaisters or Antipagmentum of the door. And that little door upon the jetting, shall stand right in the middle above the lowest door, and shall be two foot broad. In the other corner of of this first House, there shall be another door, the widenesse thereof shall be six foot; you may make it round or square above as you will. But why doe I spend my time to set down all these measures, which you may so plainly see in the Figure; onely it is necessary to warn such as are studious herein, that what work soever a man rai∣seth out of the ground, consisteth in three principall things, that is, in length, bredth, and height. The length is of certaine Houses or Rooms, containing a certaine number of feet. The bredth consist∣eth of Windows, Doors, Gates, Shops, and such like things. The height consisteth of Ports, Windows, Jettings, Cornices, Columns, Roofs, and such like things. But there is yet another, that is, of the thicknesse of the Walls, Pillars, Columns, and Pilaisters: The length is taken from the shortning quadrants, and from thence also you take the bredth. But the height is taken out of the bredth in the quadrants, which bredth must be taken from the quadran or halfe

quadran, which toucheth it on the hithermost side as it standeth: as also from the hithermost door, which is ten foot high, there you must take the measure from the quadrans, which come to the Para∣lells on the nethermost corner or poynt of the door; for if there you take five quadrans in bredth, it shall be the height within the Anti∣pagementum. And that which I have said of these doors, you must also understand of all the other things: The thicknesse of the Wall is two foot, for you see it containeth a quadrant. The bearing over of the second House is of six foot, measured upon the ground: the like also the bearing over or jetting of the first House containeth. To conclude all things, as I have said, rising out of the ground on all sides, I have set no Cornices, nor any other ornaments in this Fi∣gure, that you may the easier understand it; but a man of ripe judgement and understanding knowing the terminations, can by by his own invention help himselfe to make faire Buildings. And for that I may not spend to much time herein, I will make others to give you more light therein.

29 The Stayres, degrees or goings up, are very necessary in Buil∣dings, and therefore I will shew divers kinds thereof, and first I will begin with the easiest. According to common custome a stayre or step is about half a foot high, and about a foot broad upon the step; then let the square stones of this ground be a foot square, therewith we will make a paire of stayres of five foot high, and three foot broad: at the foot of the ground we will take the measure of the bredth, which on the right and left sides shall be set in Perpendicu∣lar lines on the Corners of the Stayres, which shall be devided into ten, as the lines A B shew you. Then all the parts of A B shall be raised to the Horison, and then you shall take nine quadrants up∣wards in length: and whereas two lines are set up cutting through the Horisentall lines of A B, there the Corners D C of the upper∣most steps shall be, containing a four-square of the three quadrants on each side. From the hithermost poynts of the same upper steps, you shall draw two helding lines to the lowest steps; against the which the Horisentall and the Perpendicular lines of the quadrant shall come together and shut up the Stayres.

These Stayres are shortned on the one side, and the other is plain or profill, and containeth a step lesse in the heigth, which maketh four foot and a halfe; it is also three foot broad, as it is marked un∣der it on the ground. By this Rule you may make Stayres or de∣grees as high as you will, and make some resting places in the way: alwayes taking the measure from the foot of the ground, as well of the shortning, as those that are upright.

30 The going up being plaine or profill maketh a great shew, and yet are very easie to set in all places, I mean in the turning, and may serve for many things, specially in Buildings, where a man go∣ing up softly and with ease, giveth the beholders a kind of pleasure to view them, principally in common places, for that there is a go∣ing up on either side, so that upon the one side men may goe up, and one the other side they may goe down; and although there are onely but two goings up, yet by this a man by his own invention

may devise others. How these Stayres are made, and with what reason, you may by this Figure perceive them, although I should say nothing thereof; for as it is said before, the quadrants are of a foot broad, and the steps halfe a foot high, and so the bredth of the step is one foot. The bredth of the Stayres is five foot, both the first and second: The resting gate containeth in widenesse three foot, and is six foot high; which although it seemeth to be shut, and a small door opening in it; yet it may be made whole, open, and o∣therwise closed. The two sides above the three steps are five foot broad, although here it is but one foot, because of the narrownesse of the Paper. The Perpendicular lines on the sides, signifie leaning places, and they should serve well also to the steps, but least they should comber the work, I have left them out.

31 Amongst other things which shew well in Perspective work, I find that goings up or Stayres are very seemly, and that the oftner that they turne, the better they doe shew; therefore I have made these two goings up turning, which stand in profill, yet you see the ground and the steps. This first going up is six foot high, and three foot broad, as you may see it marked in the grounds with pricks: the resting place between the first and secound going up, is two foure squares long, which is necessary, because of the turning. At the end thereof you find a Portall, the door thereof is two foot wide, the Antipagmentum is halfe a foot on either side, so that the place is three foot full. The Perpendicular lines on the right side of the plaine, signifie certain leanings, which may be made of Iron, Wood, or Stone; the like may be made along the Stayres both upward and downward, setting a Baluster upon every Stayre: The height of this raile or leaning, shall be two foot and a halfe, for so it is easie to lay a mans hand upon. How these Stayres are made upwards out of the ground, although it may well be seen by the Figure with∣out declaring it: yet I will say something thereof, to ease them that are short of memory. The resting gate or round door under the plainesse between the second and the third going up, is no deeper then to the wall: Above the same door there standeth another go∣ing up, of four steps, which to make, I have sufficiently shewed; o∣therwise a man should continue the ground at the resting door, to draw them up from it.

32 Touching the severall kinds of Stayres, I am assured that they may partly be understood without describing them in writing, and specially the middlemost which goeth up on both fides; and so shall the uppermost also, because it is raised up from the ground as well as the other, and is six foot broad, as you may see and tell it on the ground upon the plaine stones. The two Arches under the two goings up are each a foot in thicknesse, whereby a going down is four foot within, and is also drawn out of the ground as the rest are. The other goings up, which you see through the Arches; you may sufficiently perceive by them how they are made: and so it is with the two of paire Staires on the left hand, for from the first steps at the resting door, you may easily see how they are raised up out of the ground, and above at the end of them they have a piece of plaine

ground to come to the other Stayres, which also is drawn up out of the pavement as the rest are, that is, each step halfe a foot high, and a foot broad. But it is hard to measure in so small things, but it sufficeth that hereby you may see the manner thereof; and when you make them great you shall find that they will come well enough to passe. Under the Stayres last named, there standeth also a round door which is five foot wide: upon this ground, and on these Stayres a cunning Painter might place divers Figures in severall formes, either standing or sitting upon the Stayres, and lying upon the ground in shortning manner, and that in this wise: You may place the Figures where you will with feet, and then take six feet or squares where on they stand, and that shall be their height, for that it is the height of a common or ordinary man: this you must observe both before and behinde, and in every place. If the Figure be upon a step, then take the measure of that step whereon it stan∣deth, and make it twelve steps high, which shall be six foot: And is the Figure lying, doe the like; but if it lyeth in shortning manner upon the ground, then you must take the length by the shortning quadrant.

33 I have shewed many kinds of goings up, but there are other kinds, and he that is not well instructed in the former will hardly understand these two which I have here set down. The first shall be winding stayres in four square, and he that can make these foure-square Stayres, may well make the round Stayres, for it is all one thing, specially if he useth the Rule before set down of the round bodies.

The Figure P is the ground of this winding Stayre, but it is much lesse then the uppermost to get ground. This foure square ground in shortning you must make halfe a foot high, which shall be for the first step. Then before at either end, you must make a Perpendicu∣lar line upright, and in it make as many halfe feet as you desire to make the Stayres high; you must also place the like Perpendicular lines between the middle, and the corners: then you must draw the terminations both on the right and the left sides upward to the Horison, which must cut through the Perpendicular lines, which are drawn out of the terminations of the steps; and of the same height that the two cornerd Perpendicular lines are: and of the same measure you must make the other two Perpendicular lines be∣tween the corners and the middle. Then in the middlemost termi∣nation of the ground you must place an other Perpendicular line, and devide it also in halfe feet, as the other Perpendicular line on the side is: So out of this Perpendicular line of the Centers against the nearest Perpendicular line beneath on the left hand, you must frame the first step with two lines: The second step you shall also frame and shut up out of the Perpendicular line of the Centers in the corner following. Then from that poynt or corner you must draw a line to the Horison, which against the second Perpendicular line will make the termination of the third step, which shall also be shut above, according to the aforesaid Rule: from that poynt or corner of the step you must also make an Horisentall line, which will touch

[illustration]

[illustration]

[illustration]

the termination of the fourth step; which being closed, then you must raise that corner also to the Horison, and that will shew you the termination of the fist step. And when that step is also closed with lines, then you must draw the poynt towards the Horison, which line will shew you the terminations of the sixt step against the hindermost Perpendicular line: and that being also closed up with lines, then out of the same corner you must draw a Paralell line to the termination of the seventh step, and not towards the Hori∣son, because it is another side of the foure-square. Thus you must work round about from step to step, always following this Rule by the which you cannot faile.

34 That I may not forget to set down all kinds of Stayres, and especially such as often times fall out to be made; therefore I have made these Stayres, whereon a man may goe up on all sides, where∣of the ground standeth above on the right hand, but yet very small. These Stayres must be thus made: First, you must make a foure-square shortning body of halfe a foot high, upon this you must draw two Diagonall lines, and from the corner inwards there shall be a foot broad left on either side, and the terminations thereof drawn to the Horison, and so from the Diagonall lines you shall see the cor∣ners of the second step. Now I need not set down unto you how you shall find the lesning corner of the second step, the which is round about shut up with Paralell and Horisentall lines: then up∣on the second plaine you must draw two Diagonall lines, which do∣ing (as I said before) will shew you the third step; which also be∣ing closed up with lines, you shall also find the fourth and fifth, with the like Rules. This Piramides is fantastically framed upon them to fill up the place. Also I need not set down to what uses these Stayres may serve, for that the halfe of them is commonly found in divers pieces of work, as the Gates of Pallaces, Churches, and other dwelling Houses, and the ascending up to Altars. By this way also you may make round Stayres, and also Stayres of six or eight cor∣ners, as by their formes I have shewed.

35 I have promised the studious Reader by this my labour to shew as much of Perspective work as I can, that he might shew his conceit touching Houses or Buildings in Perspective wise, meaning to set down some simple manners thereof, as if he should forme a sin∣gle or double ground, thereupon to raise a body, and therewith mean to make an end. But falling from one work to another, I am en∣tred into a Laborinth, which peradventure is to far above my reach, which cometh to passe by means of some men that have entreated me thereunto. And therefore, as I thought at this time to make an end of my second Book, I begin to handle a harder matter, which Rule is onely called an outward foure-square: neverthelesse, it is as well drawn by the Horison as by the distances, as you may see in the Figure, which sheweth a right shortning foure-square, contai∣ning in it another four-square, the which also may be formed by the distances without Horison; some men place the sides of the foure∣square upon the Base, once so wide againe as before. And as you see two like sides of the four-square over the corner, so are the distances

alike marked D. And as much more as you will have this foure-square to shorten, so much you must draw the distances from the Ho∣rison; and as much as you will that the edges of the foure-square shall be broad, so many bredths must you draw upon the Base, be∣tween A C twice drawn. All the terminations of this four-square standing above the corners goe all to the distances, and none to the Horison, but onely the four-square that is set therein.

36 Now I have shewed, how you should shorten a Superficies, overpoynt, or outward four-square; here I will shew you how to imbosse or bear out the body thereof with the same Horison and di∣stances also, which body within is hollow, and you may heave it up as high as you will; but I have purposely left it somewhat low, that you might see the ground thereof. And by this Figure you may conceive to how many things this may serve; and also how you may increase or diminish it, according to skill and judgement. This shall suffice for these foure-square modells or hollow things; but I will shew you how you shall make them with Creasts or Cor∣nices.

37 This Figure is also formed by the aforesaid Horison, and the like distances as the other before, onely they stand a little nearer: Now to creast this body both above and beneath, you must imagine the greatnesse of the Creast, and draw the same greatness both above and beneath the body; then give the Crests above their due Pro∣jecture, and from those poynts you must let Perpendicular lines fall to the poynts or corners below, whereby you shall have the Proje∣ctives of the Base and top thereof, which must be drawn towards the Distances, and not towards the Horison. Now you see how the Cornices stand without the foure-square body: but this is onely for Cornices that are made without members, not to comber you with the shadowing of them, for I will speak of them hereafter particularly.

38 I spake before of Cornices without members, which might serve this hollow Quadran, and how you shall make the termi∣nations thereof. Now in this Figure I shew you the said Cornices with their members, which you may also make in other manner as it pleaseth the workman, that is, to make them bigger or lesser, as I have spoken of other Cornices, alwayes using good discretion and judgement to chuse and make such members therein, as may shew well in mens sight. There are some Cornices which reach so far o∣ver, that men cannot see the members thereof under them; there∣fore in that case the members are so to be made, that they may be seemly and pleasant in mens sight.

39 The four Figures aforesaid have their distances equally broad from the Horison, that is, as much on the one side as the other; but this Figure is of another manner, so that the Horisentall lines serve both for distances. To understand it, begin thus: First, the Base A B is made and is placed in foure equall parts, as C D E, the lines C D are drawn on the right hand towards the Horison, and the lines A C are drawn towards the Horison on the left side, which forme a perfect shortning foure-square; which four-square you see more

[illustration]

on the one side, then on the other. The foure poynts or corners of these foure-square things, are FGHC. If you devide these foure-square things in two parts, then you must devide the Base D E in two parts, and the terminations thereof being drawn to the right side, there you shall finde the halfe of your foure-square marked with two Stars. But if you will lengthen it another halfe foure-square, then draw a termination E to the right Horison, the lines at IK, the other halfe four-square, so that these Superficies shall be of two perfect four corners: And this will serve the ingenious work∣man for many things, which I will not here set down for brevity sake.

40 This body hereafter following is raised out of the former Fi∣gure before set down, and is made with the same Horison; which body containeth two quadrants in length, and one quadrant in height, for the line CD is set in Perpendicular manner upon the ne∣thermost corner, whereon the other Superficies are set: thus then this body is of two four-squares, I mean two four-squares in length, and one four-square broad and high. And this body (as I said be∣fore) shall serve for many things: But if you will have more cubits in the length, then lengthen the Base in so many parts more, and you shall alwayes finde the truth hereof. And if you will make a border or Creast about this body, then you must follow this Rule aforesaid.

41 But will you make divers things upon on ground? then it is convenient that first you make a pavement, as you see it here set down, and thereupon frame what you think good upon the qua∣drans, and the lesse the Quadrans are, and the more in number, you may the easier frame things upon them. The crosse made upon this ground is onely to shew you the way and entry thereunto; but for such a forme, you may make a forme of a Christian Church as they are now built. The other forme by it, sheweth a piece of a founda∣tion of a House, but all these things you may make in a greater forme, and set them forth as you will; sometimes placing the Hori∣setall lines in such manner that you may see more of the out sides, but yet the Horisons must stand all of one height.

42 Out of this Superficiall Figure aforesaid, I have raised these bodies, to shew how the Horisons of them doe stand in the work as well above as below, as you shall find by experience, and in truth these works which you see over the poynts or corners, containe a Book alone by themselves: but (as I said before) my meaning was to shew but three or foure Figures of them, yet I will shew ten of them; intending to leave the Student some works, whereof I am well assured: For that he hath more eyes, and more patience then my selfe, he shall find many things which I write not of, nor yet set down.

43 Upon this Pavement (as I said) you may forme or frame what you will, but in this Pavement here ensuing, you see a co∣lumn lying, being eight square, which is three Quadrants in thick∣nesse, and fourteen in length. This eight square column may be made out of a column of foure-square, as before in another place is

shewed; which foure-square you may see drawn in the Figure with pricks, and the terminations of the eight-square with black lines. But because that this eight-square column is too much seen on the sides, the readier to make it out of the foure-square: I have there∣fore have made an other piece by it, the which, because it draweth nearer to this Horison, is seen more before, then the other, although not so long; for it is but halfe so long as the other, as you may see and tell it in the ground or foot thereof. And if it were so that this eight square Figure reached nearer to the Horison, it would then be better seen, yet it would not wholly be seen before, because it stan∣deth without the four-square and corner.

44 These Columns are the same which are before set down, but the other were hollow, and these massie, whereby an expert work∣man may find out many things exercising this way, although there are other means to be used, as Albert Durer hath shewed, to look through holes with a thread: There is also another way, which is drawn out of flat formes which is the surest way, but very trouble∣some and hard to describe in writing; wherefore I have chosen this as the easiest way to be shewed. And if I had not undertaken to shew other things of more importance, I would have drawn divers bodies and houses after this manner: But for that I mean to entreat of Scenes, and the preparing of places for to shew Comedies and Tragedies, which is now used in this age, and especially in Italy, therefore I will make an end of these foure-cornerd things, leaving it to another (as I said before) to set forth more thereof.

A Treatise of scenes, or places to Play in.

45 Because I mean hereafter to entreat of Theaters, and Scenes belonging unto them, as we use them in these dayes. In the which Scenes it will be very hard for a man to shew how, and where a man should place the Horison herein, because it is another thing then the Rule before declared: Therefore I thought it good first to make this Profill, that the ground by the Profill may both together be the better understood; yet it were convenient first to study the ground, and if it so falleth out that a man cannot attaine to all within the ground, then he must proceed to the profill to be the better instruct∣ed therein. First therefore, I will begin with the Scaffold before, which as the eyes shall stand elevated from the earth, and shall be flat, made by the water compasse, marked with C. And the Scaffold from B to A, shall stand heaved up under the same A, a ninth part of the length thereof; and that standing up be∣hind the seat marked with an M above it, is the wall of the Hall or other place, against which, or where this Scene shall be made. That which standeth a little distant from the Wall Perpendicular wise, is marked P, shall be the back or upholding behind of the Scene, that a man may goe between it and the other wall. The termination O is the Horison. The lines with pricks coming crosse upon the water compasse from L to O, where it toucheth the back P, there you shall place the Horison onely to serve for the said back. And coming for∣wards

[illustration]

[illustration]

to L, this line shall alwayes be the Horison, for all the Or∣tograpy of the Houses which shall stand forwards or outwards: But the Seenographies or shortning sides of the Houses, they must have their Horisons standing further to O. And it is reason, which in effect have two sides (as these must be built that men may see out of them on both sides) should happen two Horison lines, this is touching the Profill of the Scene. But the place which is called Proceny is that which is marked with P, and the part marked with E is called Orchestra, which is raised halfe a foot from the earth; where you see F marked, are the places for Noblemen and Knights to sit on. And the first seat or step, marked G, are for the Noblewo∣men and Ladies to sit on; and going up higher, there must the mea∣ner sort of Nobles sit. The broader place, marked H, is a way, and so is the place marked E. Between H and E must sit Gentlement of quality. And from L upwards meaner Gentlemen shall sit. But the great space, marked K, shall be for common Officers and other peo∣ple, which place may be greater or lesse, according to the length of the Hall or any other place. And the Theator, with the Scene or Scaffold, which I made in Vincente, was almost in this sort; and from the one corner of the Theater to the other, was eight and twenty foot; for it was made in a place where I had roome enough, but the Scene or Scaffold was not so broad, because it was placed in a lodge. The frame of the seats was all made in one, as you may see in this Fi∣gure. And because the Theater stood in an open place which had no wall, whereunto it might be made fast, therefore in the Circum∣ference I have made it sticking out, for the more strength and fast∣nesse thereof.

46 Among all the things that may be made by mens hands, thereby to yield admiration, pleasure to sight, and to content the fantasies of men; I think it is placing of a Scene, as it is shewed to your sight, where a man in a small place may see built by Carpen∣ters or Masons, skilfull in Perspective work, great Palaces, large Temples, and divers Houses, both near and far off; broad places filled with Houses, long streets crost with other ways: triumphant Arches, high Pillars or Columns, Piramides, Obeliscens, and a thou∣sand faire things and Buildings, adorned with innumerable lights, great, middle sort, and small, as you may see it placed in the Figure, which are so cunningly set out, that they shew forth and represent a number of the brightest stones, as Diamonds, Rubies, Saphirs, Smaragdes, Jacinths, and such like. There you may see the bright shining Moon ascending onely with her hornes, and already risen up, before the Spectators are aware of, or once saw it ascend. In some other Scenes you may see the rising of the Sun with his course about the world, and at the ending of the Comedy, you may see it goe down most artificially, whereat many beholders have been a∣basht. And when occasion serveth, you shall by Art fee a God de∣scending down from Heaven; you also see some Comets and Stars shoot in the skies: then you see divers personages come upon the Stage, richly adorned with divers strange formes and manners of Apparell both to dance Moriscoes and play Musick. Sometimes

you see strange Beasts, wherein are men and children, leaping, run∣ning, and Tumbling, as those kind of Beasts use to doe, not without admiration of the beholders: which things, as occasion serveth, are so pleasant to mens eyes, that a man could not see fairer made with mens hands. But for that we are entred into another manner of Perspective work, therefore I will speak more at large thereof. This Perspective work whereof I will now speak, although it be contrary to those Rules which are shewed before, because these a∣foresaid are imagined to be upon a flat wall: and this other Rule because it is materiall and imbossed or raised outward, therefore it is reason we observe another Rule therein, according to common custome. First, you must make a Scaffold, which must be as high as a mans eye will reach, looking directly forward; for the first part thereof which is marked C. But the other part behind it, whereon the Houses stand, you must raise up behind against the wall at least a ninth part thereof, that is, you must devide the plaine Stage or Scaffold into nine parts; and then you must make the Scaffold higher by a ninth part behind: then before at B, which must be very even and strong, because of the Morisco dancers. This hanging downward of the Scaffold, I have found by experience to be very pleasing, for in Vincente which is as sumptuous and rich a Town as any in all Italy, there I made a Theater and a Stage of wood, then the which, I think, there was never a greater made in our time, in regard of the wonderfull sights that there were seen, as of Wagons, Elephants, and other Moriscoes. There I ordained, that before the hanging Scene there should be a Scaffold made by water compasse, which Scaffold was 12 foot broad, and 60 foot long, according to the place wherein it stood, which I found to be very pleasing and fit for shew. This first Scaffold, because it was right, therefore the pavement thereof must not obey the Horison, but the Quadrants, whereof on every side were foure-square, from whence at the be∣ginning of the rising Scaffold B, all the Quadrants went to the ut∣termost Horison O, which with their due distances doe shorten very well. And for that some men have placed the Horison of this Scio∣graphies against the wall right above the Scaffold, whereby it seemeth the Houses run all in one; therefore I determined to place the Horison before the door, which pleased me so well, that I used the same kind of order in all these kind of works: and so I counsell those that take pleasure in such Arts, to use and esteem this way for the best, as I will shew in this Figure following, and have also decla∣red in the profill of the Theater and Scene.

And because the preparation for Comedies are done in three sorts, that is, Comicall, Tragicall, and Satiricall; I will first entreat of the Comicall, whereof the Houses must be made as if they were for common or ordinary people, which for the most part must be made under roofs in a Halls, which at the end thereof hath a chamber for the pleasure or ease of the Personages; and there it is that the ground of the Scaffold is made (as I said and shewed be∣fore) in the Profill. Therefore C is the first part being the flat Scaf∣fold; and suppose that each Quadran containeth two foot on either

side, so shall they upon the hanging Scaffold before on the Base be also two foot broad, which is marked B. And (as I said before) my meaning is not to place the Horison hereof against the back behind in the Scaffold, but as far as it is from the beginning of the pave∣ment B to the wall, so far I would also that men shall passe behinde through the wall, and so shall all the houses and other things shew better in the shortning: and when by convenient distances you have drawn all the Quadrants towards the Horison, and shortned them, then you must shorten the Houses right with the four-square stones, which houses are the great lines marked upon the ground, as well for those that stand upright as those that shorten. All such houses I alwayes made of spars, or rafters, or laths, covered with linnen cloth; making doors and windowes, both before and in the shortning, as occasion fell out. I have also made somethings of halfe planks of wood, which were great help to the Painters to set out things at life. All the spaces from the back to the wall marked A shall be for the Personages, to the which end the hindermost back in the middle shall stand at the least two foot from the wall, that the Personages may goe from the one side to the other, and not be seen. Then you must raise a termination at the beginning of the pavement B, which shall be the poynt L, and from thence to the Ho∣rison there shall be a line drawn, as it is marked in the profill with pricks, which shall be of like height, and where that toucheth the hindermost back of the Scene or Scaffold, there the Horison of that back shall stand, and that Horison shall serve onely for that back. But if you stretch a cord or any other thing to the termination L, then you may fasten a thred to it, to thrust backward or forward to use it out of the stedfast Horison, and all the Ortography of the houses before. But the Horison which goeth through the wall shall serve for all the shortning sides of the houses; and for that men should break the wall, if they would use all this Horison in grosse, which may not be done, therefore I have alwayes made a small mo∣dell of wood and Paper just of the same bignesse, and by the same modell set it down in grosse, from piece to piece. But this way will fall out hard for some men to understand, neverthelesse, it will be necessary to work by modells and experiments, and by study a man shall finde the way: and for that a man can hardly find any Halls how great soever, wherein he can place a Theater without imper∣fection and impediment; therefore to follow Antiquities, accor∣ding to my power and ability, I have made all such parts of these Theaters, as may stand in a hall. Therefore the part marked D shall be the post scene, and the circular place marked E shall be the Or∣chestra: round about this Orchestra shall be the places for the no∣blest personages to sit, marked F. The first steps marked G for the noblest women to sit upon. The place H is a way, so is the part marked I. In the middle between these degrees are steps the easier to goe up.

The places marked K must be made so great backward as the Hall will afford, which is made somewhat flooping, that the people may see one over the others head.

47 Touching the disposition of Theaters and other Scenes, con∣cerning the grounds thereof, I have spoken sufficiently; now I will speak of the Scene in Perspective work: and for that Scenes are made of three sorts, that is, Comicall to play Comedies on, Tragi∣call for Tragedies, and Satiricall for Satirs. This first shall be Comi∣call, whereas the houses must be slight for Citizens, but especially there must not want a brawthell or bawdy house, and a great Inne, and a Church; such things are of necessity to be therein. How to raise these houses from the ground is sufficiently expressed, and how you shall place the Horison: neverthelesse, that you may the bet∣ter be instructed (touching the former of these Houses) I have here set down a Figure, for satisfaction of those that take pleasure there∣in; but because this Figure is so small, therein I could not observe all the measures, but refer them to invention, that thereby you may chuse or make houses which shew well, as an open Gallery, or lodge, through the which you may see another house. The hangings over or shooting out, shew well in shortning work, and some Cornices cut out at the ends; accompanied with some others that are pain∣ted, shew well in work: so doe the houses which have great bea∣ring out, like lodgings or Chambers for men, and especially above all things, you must set the smallest houses before, that you may see other houses over or above them, as you see it here above the baw∣dy house; for if you place the greatest before, and the rest behind still lessen, then the place of the Scene would not be so well filled, and although these things upon the one side be made all upon one floor; neverthelesse, for that you place great part of the lights in the middle, hanging over the Scene or Scaffold, therefore it would frand better if the floor in the midst were taken away, and all the roundells and quadrans which you see in the Buildings, they are artificiall lights cutting through, of divers colours, which to make I will shew the manner in the last of this Book. The windows which stand before, were good to be made of Glasse or Paper, with light behind them. But if I should here write all that I know to serve for this work, it would be overlong to reherse; therefore I refer that to the wit and discretion of those that exercise and practise them∣selves herein.

48 Houses for Tragedies, must be made for great personages, for that actions of love, strange adventures, and cruell murthers, (as you read in ancient and modern Tragedies) happen alwayes in the houses of great Lords, Dukes, Princes, and Kings. Therefore in such cases you must make none but stately houses, as you see it here in this Figure, wherein (for that it is so small) I could make no Princely Pallaces, but it is sufficient for the workman to see the manner thereof, whereby he may help himself as time and place ser∣veth: and (as I said in the Comical) he must always study to please the eyes of the beholders, and forget not himselfe so much as to set a small building in stead of a great, for the reasons aforesaid. And for that I have made all my Scenes of laths, covered over with linnen, yet sometime it is necessary to make some things rising or bossing out, which are to be made of wood, like the houses on the left side,

whereof the Pillars, although they shorten, stand all upon one Base with some stayres, all covered over with cloth, the Cornices bearing out, which you must observe to the middle part: But to give place to the Galleries, you must set the other shortning Cloth somewhat backwards, and make a Cornice above it, as you see: and that which I speak of these Buildings, you must understand of all the the rest, but in the Buildings which stand far backward, the Painting work must supply the place by shadows without any bearing out: touch∣ing the artificiall lights, I have spoken thereof in the Comicall works. All that you make above the Roofe sticking out, as Chim∣neys, Towers, Piramides, Oblisces, and other such like things or Images, you must make them all of th••n boards, cut out round, and well coloured: But if you make any flat Buildings, they must stand somewhat far inward, that you may not see them on the sides. In these Scenes, although some have painted personages therein like supporters, as in a Gallery, or do r, as a Dog, Cat, or any other Beasts; I am not of that opinion, for that standeth too long without stirring or moving; but if you make such a thing to lie sleeping, that I hold withall. You may also make Images, Histories, or Fables of Marble, or other matter against a wall; but to represent the life, they ought to stir. In the latter end of this Book I will shew you how to make them.

49 The Satiricall Scenes are to represent Satirs, wherein you must place all those things that be rude and rusticall, as in ancient Satirs they were made plaine without any respect, whereby men might understand, that such things were referred to Rusticall peo∣ple, which set all things out rudely and plainly: for which cause Vitruvius, speaking of Scenes, saith, they should be made with Trees, Roots, Herbs, Hills, and Flowres, and with some country houses, as you see them here set down. And for that in our dayes these things were made in Winter, when there were but few green Trees, Herbs, and Flowres to be found; then you must make these things of Silk, which will be more commendable then the naturall things themselves: and as in other Scenes for Comedies or Tragi∣dies, the houses or other artificiall things are Painted, so you must make Trees, Hearbs, and other things in these; and the more such things cost, the more they are esteemed, for they are things which stately and great Persons doe, which are enemies to nigardlinesse This have I seen in some Scenes made by Jeronimo Genga, for the pleasure and delight of his Lord and Patron Erancisco Maria, Duke of Ʋrbin; wherein I saw so great liberality used by the Prince and so good a conceit in the workman, and so good Art and proportion in things therein presented, as ever I saw in all my life before. On good Lord, what magnificence was there to be seen, for the great number of Trees and Fruits, with sundry Hearbs and Flowres, all made of fine Silk of divers colours. The water-courses being ador∣ned with Frogs, Snayles, Tortuses, Toads, Adders, Snakes, and o∣ther beasts: Roots of Corrale, mother of Pearle, and other shells laid and thrust through between the stones, with so many severall and faire things, that if I should declare them all, I should not have

time enough. I speak not of Satirs, Nimphs, Mer-maids, divers Monsters, and other strange beasts, made so cunningly, that they seemed in shew as if they went and stirred, according to their man∣ner. And if I were not desirous to be briefe, I would speak of the costly apparell of some Shepheards made of cloth of Gold, and of Silk, cunningly mingled with Imbrothery; I would also speak of some Fishermen, which were no lesse richly apparalled then the o∣thers, having Nets and Angling-rods, all guilt: I should speak of some Country maids and Nimphs carelesly apparelled without pride, but I leave all these things to the discretion and consideration of the judicious workman, which shall make all such things as their Pattrons serve them, which they must work after their own devices, and never take care what it shall cost.

Of the Artificiall Lights of the Scenes.

I Promised in the Treatise of Scenes to set down the manner how to make these lights shining through, of divers colours, and first I will speak of a sure colour which is like a to Zaphir, and yet some∣what fairer. Take a piece of Salamoniack, and put it into a Barbers Basen, or such like thing, and put water into it: then bruise it soft∣ly therein, till it be all molten, alwayes putting more water unto it, as you desire to have it light or sad colour; which done, if you will have it faier and clear, then straine it through a fine cloth into ano∣ther vessell, and then it will be a clear Celestiall blew, whereof you may make divers kinds of blew with water. Will you make an Emerauld colour? then put some Saffron as you will have it pale or high coloured; for here it is not necessary to prescribe you any weight or measure, for that experience will teach you how to doe it. If you will make a Rubby colour, if you be in a place where you may have red Wine, then you need not use any other thing, but to make it pall with water, as need requireth: but if you can get no Wine, then take Brasill beaten to powder, and put it into a Kettell of water with Allum, let it seeth, and scum it well; then straine it and use it with Water and Vineger. If you will counterfeit a Ballays, you must make it of red and white Wine mingled together; but white Wine alone will shew like a Topaz or a Crisolite: The Con∣duit or common water being strained, will be like a Diamond, and to doe this well, you must upon a glassie ground frame certaine points or tablets, and fill them with water. The manner to set these shining colours in their places, is thus, Behind the painted house wherein these painted colours shall stand, you must set a thin board cut out in the same manner that these lights shall be placed, whether it be round or square, cornered of ovale, like an Egge; and behinde the same board there shall be another stronger board laid flat behind them, for the bottles and other manner of glasses with these waters to stand in, must be placed against the holes, as it shall necessarily fall out, but they must be set fast, lest they fall with leaping and dancing of the Moriscoes. And behind the glasses you must set great Lamps, that the light may also be stedfast; and if the bottels

or other vessells of glasse on the side where the light stands were flat; or rather hollow, it would rather shew the clearer, and the co∣lours most excellent and faire; the like must be done with the holes on the shortning side: But if you need a great light to shew more then the rest, then set a torch behind, and behind the torch a bright Bason, the brightnesse wereof will shew like the beams of the Sun. You may also make glasse of all colours and formes, some foure-square, some with crosses, and any other forme with their light be∣hind them. Now all the lights serving for the colours, shall not be the same which must light the Scene, for you must have a great number of torches before the Scene. You may also place certaine candlesticks above the Scene with great Candles therein, and above the Candlesticks you may place some vessells with water, wherein you may put a piece of Camphir, which burning will shew a very good light, and smell well. Sometime it may chance that you must make something or other which should seem to burn, which you must wet throughly with excellent good Aquavite; and setting it it on fire with a Candle it will burn all over; and although I could speak more of these fires, yet this shall suffice for this time; and I will speak of some things that are pleasing to the beholders.

The while that the Scene is empty of personages, then the work∣man must have certaine Figures or formes ready of such greatnesse as the place where they must stand will afford them to be, which must be made of past-board, cut out round and painted, signifying such things as you will, which Figures must leane against a rule or lath of wood, crosse over the Scene where any gate, door, or way is made, and there some one or other behind the door must make the Figures passe along, sometime in forme of Musitians with Instru∣ments, and some like singers; and behind the Scene some must play on, upon certaine Instruments, and sing also. Sometime you must make a number of footmen and horsemen, going about with Trumpets, Pifes and Drums, at which time you must play with Drums, Trumpets and Pifes, &c. very softly behind, which will keep the peoples eyes occupied, and content them well.

If it be requisite to make a Planet, or any other thing, to passe along in the Aire, it must be framed and cut out of past-board; then in the hindermost and back part of the houses of the Scene, there must be a piece of wire drawn above in the roofe of the house and made fast with certaine rings behind to the past-board painted with a Planet, or any other thing, that shall be drawn softly by a man with a black thred from one end to the other, but it must be far from mens sight, that neither of the threds may be seen.

Sometime you have occasion to shew thunder and lightning, as the play requireth: then you must make thunder in this manner, Commonly all Scenes are made at the end of a great Hail, whereas usually there is a Chamber above it, wherein you must roule a great Bullet of a Cannon, or of some other great Ordnance, and then counterfeit Thunder. Lightning must be made in this manner, there must be a man placed behind the Scene or Scaffold, in a high place, with a box in his hand, the cover whereof must be full with

holes, and in the middle of that place there shall be a burning Can∣dle placed, the box must be filled with powder of vernis or sulphire, and casting his hand with the box upwards the powder flying in the Candle, will shew as if it were Lightning. But touching the beams of the Lightning, you must draw a piece of wire over the Scene, which must hang downwards, whereon you must put a squib cove∣red over with pure gold, or shining lattin, which you will; and while the Bullet is rouling, you must shoot of some piece of Ordi∣nance, and with the same giving fire to the squibs, it will work the effect which is desired.

It would be overlong if I should speak of all things which are to be used in these affaires, therefore I will leave speaking of Perspe∣ctive things.

FINIS.