CONTENTS

OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

DISCOURSE 1.

The advantages proceeding from the institution of a

Royal Academy-Hints offered to the consideration

of the Professors and Visitors;―That an implicit

obedience to the rules of Art be exacted from the

young students ;-That a premature disposition to

a masterly dexterity be repressed; That diligence

be constantly recommended, and (that it may be

effectual) directed to its proper object.... page 1

DISCOURSE II.

The course and order of study.-The different stages of

Art.-Much copying discountenanced.—The Artist

at all times and in all places should be employed in

laying up materials for the exercise of his art. p. 23

DISCOURSE III.

The great leading principles of the Grand Style.-Of

Beauty.-The genuine habits of nature to be distin-

guished from those of fashion..

P. 51

DISCOURSE IV.

General Ideas, the presiding principle which regulates

every part of Art'; Invention, Expression, Colouring

and Drapery: Two distinct styles in History-Paint-

ing; the Grand, and the Ornamental. The Schools

in which each is to be found. The composite style.

The style formed on local customs and habits, or a

partial view of Nature.

DISCOURSE V.

P. 79

Circumspection required in endeavouring to unite con-

trary Excellencies. The expression of a mixed

passion not to be attempted.-Examples of those

who excelled in the Great Style; Raffaelle, Michael

Angelo. Those two extraordinary men compared

with each other. The characteristical Style.—Sal-

vator Rosa mentioned as an example of that style;

and opposed to Carlo Maratti.-Sketch of the cha-

racters of Poussin and Rubens. These two Painters

entirely dissimilar, but consistent with themselves.

This consistency required in all parts of the Art.

DISCOURSE VI.

P. 315

Imitation.-Genius begins where Rules end.—Inven-

tion; acquired by being conversant with the inven

tions of others.-The true method of imitating.—

Borrowing, how far allowable.—Something to be

gathered from every School............

P. 145

DISCOURSE VII.

The reality of a standard of Taste, as well as of corporal Beauty. Beside this immutable truth, there are secondary truths, which are variable; both requiring the attention of the Artist, in proportion to their stability or their influence.. .p. 189

DISCOURSE VIII.

The principles of Art, whether Poetry or Painting, have their foundation in the mind; such as Novelty, Variety, and Contrast; these in their excess become defects.-Simplicity. Its excess disagreeable.-Rules not to be always observed in their literal sense: sufficient to preserve the spirit of the law.―Observations on the Prize-Pictures.

P. 245

DISCOURSE I.

DELIVERED AT THE OPENING OF

THE ROYAL ACADEMY,

JANUARY 2, 1769.

VOL. I.