[D'après NOLDUS 2008, p. 37:] 9 C’est pourquoi il serait bien de trouver un bon Maître{Il est utile, pour les apprentis, de commencer chez un bon Maître.} d’abord pour s’instruire de la bonne manière et pour apprendre les principes sûrs et solides de l’Art de disposer, exécuter, délinéer, modeler, de bien distinguer les parties éclairées et ombrées et de dessiner d’abord au Fusain, à la Craie et à la Plume en faisant des traits si fins dans les parties claires{Dans les parties claires, il faut faire des traits très fins.} Qu’ils soient à peine visibles, mais plus forts dans les ombres.

[Suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason the parents, after they have discovered the natural inclination of their children, tend to seriously take care that they receive a good and loyal Master at the first opportunity, who will show his pupils the true form of Art and not the superficial appearance [NDR: literally: the naked appearances] ,

Junius emphasizes the important role of parents and a master to recognize the talent (‘toegeneigdheid’) of a child and help him or her to develop this talent. Important is the addition of the adjective ‘natuurlijk’ (natural) to ‘toegeneigdheid’, as it refers to the innate origin of this quality. [MO]

[Suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The other thing that Plinius remarks of this Pamphilus, is that his pupils remained connected to him for ten years; he attempted to preserve the good name of his school above all things, not wanting that his learning children [NDR: pupils] would fly before they had wings; because of this he tended to keep them busy with the Art of Drawing and other necessary principles a little longer, without suffering that they would lay their hands too early on painting because of a reckless disposition. We then would not have mentioned this carefulness of the old Masters, if many present-day Masters had not worked rather wrongfully, beginning with that which should be last because of a honour-eager hastiness, says Quintilianus {…}, as they largely impede a true progress of their Students, when they only attempt to show them the ‘apparently-convenient’ [NDR: problematic translation of schijn-schickelick] things.

PAMPHILUS
PLINIUS, L'Ancien
QUINTILIANUS

[Suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] It serves as an answer, that our feeling would not only be weakened by it, although it is known to us that some Masters have become acceptable Painters without the assistance of the other Arts and sciences; seen that we are not discussing the common ‘mass producers’ here, but only the real Artists; who, in our opinion, ought to be learned smart numbers; that is, men of such an outstanding mind and diligence, that it appears that Nature and Art have been combined for its perfection.

Junius defines what an artist (‘kunstenaar’), distinguishing between those who produce art works by the dozen (‘dozijnwerker’) and true artists. The difference lies in their level of knowledge (‘verstand’) and diligence (‘naarstigheid’), although he acknowledges that some masters (‘meester’) have managed to become reasonably good without this. Only the combination of nature and art will lead to perfection in art. Junius states his intention to only talk about these true artists in his text. This excerpt does not occur in the Latin edition of 1637. [MO]

[proposition de traduction, Léonard Pouy:] […] nous allons démontrer qu’il est bien plus méritant de suivre la nature plutôt que la manière de faire d’autres maîtres, car imiter la manière d’un autre peintre est odieux, tandis que suivre la nature est louable. […] Mais comment la suivrons-nous ? La suivrons-nous de façon à ce que l’on puisse voir que c’est de telle ou telle manière que cela a été fait ou par tel ou tel maître? Non, assurément, car si cela peut-être visible et reconnu, alors ce maître aura mis trop de lui même dans son travail. Mais s’il fait en sorte d’imiter la vie de telle façon que les gens jugent que cela approche la vie avec naturel sans pouvoir y détecter la manière du maître qu’il l’a fait, un tel esprit mérite louanges et honneurs, et sera considéré comme supérieur aux autres. Aussi faut il cesser de suivre la manière des autres maîtres (à propos de quoi Michel-Ange déclara très justement : « Celui qui en suit toujours un autre ne le surpassera jamais »), qui apportent toujours quelque chose de leur invention.

MICHELANGELO (Michelangelo Buonarroti)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The Mind has the Freedom here, like in the general Art of Painting on Panel, because every Master choses such a Study that coincides with his inclination, as it is not easy to all be Universal and be equally great Masters in all things.

The introduction to the English translation does not follow the text of the original. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Yet in order for us to claim rather light and loosely the futile judgment of those who despise it, or the highest perfections and ability of the Art of Painting, as if it could be understood or begotten without any diligent Study, as a minor and slavish hand-work; as such we have resolved to show in this Inleydingh [ndr: Goeree is referring to the whole book], what should necessarily be known by a learned and perfect Master, in order that anyone (seeing what belongs to this Art) will learn to have a great admiration of it, and will not think that it is just about making a living (as one tends to say out of spite:) or that it – just like many other Arts that spring from the Art of Painting and Drawing – is being touched upon. {That we will contradict the disrespect of the Art of Painting, by showing what belongs to it.}

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Because while the Paintings often ache heavily under the different people who explain them, and have to suffer that the thoughts and the intention of the Painter, the explanation and the truth of the History, the reasoning of place, the Composition of the invention, the possibility of action, the true proportional Design, Clothing and hues, and yet other decent things, will be examined and disputed; which often gives the opportunity to find out the great or small experience of a Master, which often can be discerned in small things, yes as a careful Master has never thought of it, even less a minor spirit.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Having understood all the necessary knowledge and sciences that a wise Painter should try to possess, and obtain, we can easily guess why it is that so few can reach the Perfection of a Universal Master; {Why so few become great Masters.} seen that many only begin to understand after a lot of work what is necessary for the Wisdom of a great Master in the Art of Painting; practicing an eternal number of difficulties regarding the rules of art, which seem impossible to him to ever comprehend, as such they will again step back or change after seeing this imaginary head of Medusa, in a stone of despair and stoniness , so that they remain who they are and were, not moving a foot out of fear for the knowledge that is necessary for perfection, to pass by someone else. Yet all of this should not keep a sensible Artist away, as many will not reach the true Mastery, but rather only touch upon it: {What this should mean for a inquisitive mind.} because the more the science of an art is less common, the more delicious it excels in the eyes of all Men; and although we cannot obtain the perfection of an Art, it is nonetheless praiseworthy, to have reached a step or two higher than another: Yes although we know that others have been great Giants in Mastery and that we are but small little men in comparison, and that they have been able to see many and far things, as such one should try to climb on their shoulders through diligence, so that one, if possible, may be able to look a little further than they have looked.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Yet as it is advisable, yes also very necessary, that one imitates other Good Masters in the beginning of his Studies, and attempts to surpass them where they have strayed, as such it should be known that one should not only apply ardor and diligence, but also behave themselves very wisely: {What should be observed in following other Masters.} Because it demands something different to intelligently imitate a great Master, than simply Copying After, which is an adequate means for young ones, to learn to treat the brush for the first time, to learn to find the colors and colorations et cetera: But in studying masterfully, and imitating, there only the judgement regarding the Virtues of the very best things should be practiced: and with a careful diligence, to find out everything, which is in it about the true nature of the Arts. Because the Virtues are often soo deeply hidden in the best Paintings, and are so artfully folded and braided into the whole work, that the most perceptive Master cannot assume to understand it but after a long observation. Such that the mistakes that remain in it are often followed the best and taken in by an incapable [artist]; {Incapable artists imitate the mistakes the best in Copying.} which is why with a wise and frank judgement one should study such things and not take at face value [ndr: literally: eat like sugar] everything that comes from this or another great Master, as such one may take the flaws as well as the perfections for a law to imitate, as if out of respect for their Mastery they could not stray: But the imitation will first become praiseworthy and useful, when she has captured the full power of Art in the principal things.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Such that, (without scolding someone’s actions in particular) this can be added briefly; that there few are seen amongst those who have to call in the assistance of others in their Work, who carry the name of a great Universal Master, nor that their works are in an extremely high esteem; and it is not strange, because how could it be wrong, that someone who had been bred out of three or four Fathers, carries the name of a bastard child. {Comparaison why some may not be called great Masters.}

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] {The Art of Drawing needs a complete Man.} Now that this Art of Drawing (whether she has her use for the Art of Painting or for her own perfection) stretches very widely, and contains far more secrets than most would think, and as a great knowledge is necessary for it, (as has recently been shown in our Inleydingh tot de Schilder-Konst, and will be discussed more in this and our next Work;) as such one should know that it needs the senses and bright judgement of a complete Man, to be able to understand it profoundly and wisely, and which a Man, whom the name of Master suits, should definitely apply. Therefore nobody can contradict, that we propose a easily understandable instruction to the young Pupils, to point out as much as possible, the true characteristics and special observations of this Art so plainly in it, that even the lesser minds can be taken quite far in the first beginnings with time and labour.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] {Means by which one should practice oneself in this Art.} Now the means by which one can practice oneself in this art, can successfully be divided into two general parts: the one is the instruction, the other the practice of the Pupil himself. {How the instruction takes place.} The instruction takes place by a Master, either with regard to some Art that one imitates by means of Drawing, or with regard to the natural life, and what else can be included in it, after that there is the natural life, the Master and the instruction of the Pupil himself.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] {Drawing the landscape is very useful and delightful.} But before we part from the life, we cannot omit to also briefly point out the use of Drawing Landscapes, Perspectives, Mountains, Dunes, Shadows in the Forrest, Bushes, Plants, Ruins and all sorts of Animals of the Field, like Horses, Oxen, Cows, Sheep, Goats and what else one runs into in the countryside; this is a pleasant Study and useful relaxation for the Draughtsmen (besides the relief that it provides as the leisure of the usual Figure-Practice); moreover it is a way to make oneself Universal in the Art: {That one should love all Study of the Art of Painting.} ‘Because he cannot be considered a great Master or bright Mind, (says Leonardo da Vinci) who is only perfect at one thing; there are few such firm brains that with time will arrive at doing one thing well: Adding that a Young Man who does not love all parts of the Art equally, he may be as bright as he wishes, but he will never become a great universal Master.’ In general one observes that Draughtsmen and Painters who have inclination for that which concerns the Landscapes, and when they are asked to go draw after the life, or find a reason to make them [ndr.: i.e. landscapes], or to draw after the life, they often boast that this Study is too bad to waste their time on; and because of this neglect, amongst other things, it happens that so few are able to make themselves general in the Art. But to improve on this flaw, it is advisable that one goes twice or three times a year to the countryside, to draw after the life according to the different seasons, the landscapes and all that may be gathered from it to advance the Universal Study:

DA VINCI, Leonardo

The citation from Leonardo da Vinci is not included in the English translation and the reflection on how to become a universal master is only partially included. [MO]

[BLANC J, 2006, p. 99] {[...] il faut choisir un bon maître}. Pour être bien instruit et prendre le bon chemin dès le début, il faut ensuite choisir un bon maître qui connaisse l'art. J'ai souvent constaté, en effet, que les jeunes qui font leurs débuts chez quelque bâcleur peuvent plus difficilement se débarrasser d'une mauvaise manière que lorsqu'ils apprennent correctement.

[BLANC J, 2006, p.102] {Ne pas devenir maître ou chercher trop tôt le profit} Les élèves, disait Bacon, doivent pour un temps avoir foi en leurs maîtres et suspendre leurs jugements, jusqu'à ce qu'ils connaissent le chemin de tous les arts. Et ce n'est que le moment venu qu'ils seront totalement libres.

BACON, Francis (Sir)

Le philosophe Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) ayant adopté pour sa baronnie le toponyme de Verulamium, une des plus grandes villes britto-romaine de grande Bretagne, c'est sous ce nom qu'il se trouve mentionné dans le texte de Hoogstraten.

[BLANC J, 2006, p. 133] Un maître intelligent peint d'abord en son entendement l'esquisse mais aussi la parfaite idée de ce qu'il a l'intention de faire.

[BLANC J, 2006, p. 325] {De bonnes copies font la renommée de bonnes oeuvres}. Puisque j’ai indiqué dans le chapitre précedent qu’il est utile et profitable aux esprits avides d’apprendre à imiter parfois les œuvres des autres maîtres célèbres, il convient aussi aux amateurs de faire la renommée des œuvres d’art des grands maîtres en les faisant copier par de bons compagnons. En effet, puisque ces oeuvres sont ordinairement enfermées dans des cabinets d’art et que leurs copies sont envoyées dans tous les pays, elles reçoivent par ce biais partout un tel lustre que les amoureux de l’art ne craignent de perdre de nombreux jours de voyage pour contempler une fois les originaux. […] Mais que personne ne s’imagine trouver dans les copies cette force absolue de l’art existant dans les originaux ou les œuvres originales des maîtres excellents. Une telle chose, en effet, est impossible, à moins que quelque dieu ne fasse faveur à l’épigone du même esprit que celui du premier maître. {Les originaux}.Il existe toujours une gracieuse joie, dans les originaux, dit Denys d’Halicarnasse, qui manque aux copies. Aussi, bien qu’imitées, elles montrent en effet, ici où là, quelque chose qui ne semble pas provenir de la nature mais d’un travail pénible. On voit également que les qualités d’une œuvre originale première s’entourent dans les copies de nombreux défauts, plus ou moins comme des feuilles imprimées, qui, baclées par un typographe inentendu d’après quelque écriture difficile, se remplissent de fautes et d’erreurs d’impression qui en assombrissent ou en changent le sens. Il y manque encore et surtout une beauté d’ensemble celle de l’harmonie et de la grâce ordinaires.

DIONYSIOS HALIKARNASSEUS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason, to not scare the shy minds, we would rather throw away the hateful and un-picturesque term Anatomie and prefer to call this useful science with the softer term Menschkunde; although the first term has already become appraised and common amongst the painterly art terms. What the rest is concerned, we answer that, although besides the botchers even some of the famous masters of the previous centuries were not completely void of the aforementioned mistake and sometimes made Nudes in which the muscles are not with a soft doubtful draught nor with a firm fleshiness, nor with plumpness, nor safe relaxation, nor complete tension or obediently working juiciness, but that appear to be cobbled together like blotches and slabs, one should not so much deduct the misguidance of some of those great Minds from the too profound knowledge of muscles, but rather coming from this, that although they walk the righteous path, they have possibly not gone deep enough into it, not having been able to satisfactorily combine their profound knowledge with the gracefulness of life and beauty.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] On the Composition of Figures according to the Natural and incidental posture of movement in all sorts of Action. Let us proceed from the composition of the Face in specific to another important and common Part of the Anatomy; Namely to the Artful composition of the moving Posture of Working human Figures; And in that context point out to which degree the Figures can carry out appropriately and Naturally, all sorts of Doings and Actions of Standing, Going, Walking, Hauling, Carrying, Throwing and others, within a certain Line of Conduct and Weight and Counter-weight, without falling or showing an impossibility in their Action: So the Draughtsman or Painter who finds himself well-trained in this, has the tools at hand to conceive his Figures such in all sorts of occurrences and choices, to the purpose of the proposed action, that they will never appear to be against the Draught, nor against the possibility of the Action, with regard to the Creation and structure of the Limbs. And as this is one of the most important Chapters of the Art of Painting, as such it has not only concerned all Great and Wise Masters, to act wisely in this regard, but many have continuously urged their Pupils with diligence to pay close attention to it: And even more so when they were without the Instruction in Books, and Examples. Carel van Mander, who was a better Author and Speaker than Painter, said in his time that it were commendable, that someone designed an Instruction regarding the composition of Figures, subsequently the Working Selection of Action and the expression of Passions: And he said, I would have been inclined to do so myself, if I had found myself capable of it.

VAN MANDER, Carel

[translation: BEURS, en préparation, transl. Myra Scholz:] {This cannot be rigidly prescribed, the author’s method} Although I do not want to constrain the free spirit of artists—knowing what powerful imaginations there are in some cases, and that a master can be so sure of himself that he has learned to paint everything in his own way without rules; knowing also that in some things one imagination is guided differently from another—I shall merely offer pupils my method and order of painting, which I have no doubt will prove useful and fruitful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Yet, as they should not only obtain a reflection on the Art; but rather its practice, the master can teach them the first principles of handling on a slate, on which he makes the pupils trace these lines with a pen; who will then be able to follow them firmly after three or four times; and if something is lacking, the master can easily, besides the indication of the handle [ndr: the way of holding], or the holding of the pen, further show them how to draw strongly and smoothly on the slate;

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Meanwhile, a careful master, should pay attention from the start, to the inclination and nature of the pupils; in order for him, as they are in many ways contradictory, may reach his goal with all [ndr: of the pupils]. He should also know how to successfully apply the instruction of the youth, according to the state of their understanding.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Firstly it is necessary to see whether the lines are as they should be, and by praising the streaks that are well done, one encourages the youth, those [ndr: lines] that are not as they should be should not be despised too much, but they [ndr: the pupils] should be solicited to make them again and better. This incites the desire and diligence every time. A good Master does not spare himself to instruct the pupils by preceding them and by saying – while making streaks himself – it should be done this way, Boys, if you want to do it well. Because setting the example has more force and greater power with regard to the pupils who are just starting, than any instruction that consists of lessons; the reason for this is that they can help themselves better with the eyes, than with the mind.

This section is more elaborate in the German translation. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] […] because he who has no good Master, will be a bad follower. Therefore it is necessary, that one gives the youth a wise Master early on, under whose experience and thorough lessons they may obtain a true knowledge and not the outward appearance of Art.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] T [ndr: draughtsman]: But listen, as soon as you have the proportion [ndr: of] figures fixed in your memory, you will gradually become accustomed to no longer use the compass with the hand but with the eye. S [ndr: painter]: No I understand what they want to say, when they say that the sculptor has to have the compass in the hand and the painter in the eye. I am truly agreeing, because that which is round or elevated, no matter how crooked or bent it is, they are able to measure it with the compass; which cannot be done with a painted figure. So I conclude from this, that it is more artful to work with the mind than with the hands. Oh, if only my master had said these things, I would have known them a long time ago. T: Possibly, he did not deem you advanced enough to reveal those things, or you have not noticed it because of carelessness, and then the master is generally blamed. A pupil who is quick-witted, diligent and attentive in his ways, gives great hope to become a good master, more so if he has been supported by good instruction since his childhood. But if he does not possess carefulness, nor a good memory; then those three characteristics will not be apparent. Because the Carefulness is the eye of the soul, the flower of a plant and the point of a beam. But a good Memory is the most important.

[D'après DE LAIRESSE 1787, p. 282:] C’est par une sage économie & une convenance [ndr : dans l’ordonnance des histoires] bien entendue que l’on distingue le plus les grands maîtres […]

[D'après DE LAIRESSE 1787, p. 387:] Une représentation exacte & naturelle de ces quatre différentes lumières du jour seroit sans doute la preuve d’un grand talent [ndr : maître] […]

[D'après DE LAIRESSE 1787, p. 467:] […] un sage peintre doit toujours choisir le tems & l’heure qui conviennent à l’histoire qu’il veut mettre sur la toile. La lumière de cette partie du jour est agréable par les demi-teintes qu’elle produit, parce qu’elle nous présente tous les objets avec les couleurs locales [ndr : litt. naturelles]qui leur sont propres ; de sorte que l’artiste qui observe bien ses convenances ne peut manquer de faire un ouvrage plein de grâce & de verité [ndr : bienséance].

[D'après DE LAIRESSE 1787, vol. 2, p. 177-178:] Mais c’est principalement aux maîtres qu’on doit imputer cette méthode vicieuse, parce qu’en faisant faire par leurs élèves des copies d’une grandeur différente de celle des originaux, ils ne les préviennent pas des nuances qu’ils doivent observer à cet égard ; et les engagent au contraire, à copier tout avec la plus scrupuleuse exactitude, quoique cela soit absolument contraire aux règles de l’art.

[D'après DE LAIRESSE 1738, p. 468-9:] A judicious Master must certainly be well exercised in the Knowledge of the true Conditions of the Things he is to handle, that he may not be thought an Ignorant ; for the Truth cannot be hidden with respect to the Inventor. Wherefore you ought to take heed of mixing this Truth with false Things, especially in sacred Stories, or spiritual Representations ; since there is so great a Contrariety between them, that they cannot be joined, unless to shew the Disagreement […]

[D'après DE LAIRESSE 1738, p. 631-632:] The Grace of well-etch’d or engraved Print consists, First, in a bright Light and dark Shade ; by which I understand, that the faint Hatching on the lighted Parts be kept almost imperceptible, and the shady Touches contrarily strong and dark. Secondly, that the Naked, or Carnations, be hatched fine and somewhat dull, and the Draperies courser and rougher, according to their Qualities ; yet all without any Outline, either on the light or shaded Side, even so that the Extremities be only formed by the Tint of the Grounds against which they come. But to give the Work the greatest Perfection, and shew the Judgment [ndr: understanding and knowledge] of the Master, the Tints of the Colours should also appear as much as possible : Yet as a Print does not so intirely consist of fine Ordonnance, beautiful Figures, elegant By-works, and neat cut or etch’d Strokes, as in a good general Harmony, so this Harmony ought to be principally studied.