[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:] As such wise Painters tend to supply her with some aids, which might somewhat be of benefit for judging their works: {Tools that aid to judge one’s own work well.} Some used a mirror for this, in which they observed their things in a contrasting and opposite position; as such they tested their judgement by observing two different displays. It is not without reason that one can detect the mistakes in his work by that means, because through the reversal of the position, it causes that one’s own Love for our works cannot reign in its full power, so we get to so it as if it were the work of another Artisan, in which one (like experience teaches us) can always find flaws: as we will touch upon this further in our second Book. Others sometimes turn their pieces around, to see it upside down, to investigate this way whether their things have a proper Design and power, and maintain it: As this is also often discovered because by placing the Frames on the works;

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] To finish this Chapter is left that one knows who one should behave in the judging and observing of the works of other men: {How one should behave in the observation of the Art of other men to judge them well.} and for this one will briefly point out in general, that one should not examine the small flaws and trifles all too closely, nor condemn them too much; nor too easily turn a blind eye to the big mistakes: Because if a Painter behaves himself careless in this matter, he runs the risk to become despised by all others and very hated.