Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1792 edition. Excerpt: ... Nor is this a trivial undertaking; I have already been giving the principles of it, and here I recommend a New Science to the world, or one at least little known, or confidered as such: so new, or so little known that it is yet without a name; it may have one in time, till then I must be excused when I call it as I do, the Science of a Connoisseur for want of a better way of expressing myself: I open to gentlemen a new scene of pleasure, a new innocent amusement: and an accomplishment which they have yet scarce heard of, but no less worthy of their attention than most of thofe they have been accustomed lo acquire. I offer to my country a scheme by which its reputation, riches, virtue, and power may be increased. And this I will do (by the help of God) not as an orator, or as an advocate, but as a strict reasoner, and so as I am verily persuaded will be to the conviction of every one that will impartially attend to the argument, and not be prejudiced by the novelty of it, or their own former sentiments. My present bufiness then in short is tp endeavour to persuade our nobility, and gentry to become lovers of Painting, and connoisseurs; which I crave leave to do (with all humility) by shewing the dignity, certainty, pleasure, and advantages of that science. One of the principal causes os the general neglect of the science I am treating of I take to be, that very sew gentlemen have a just idea of Painting; it is commonly taken to be an art whereby nature is to be represented, a fine piece of workmanship, and difficult to be persormed, but produces only pleafant ornaments, mere superfluities. This being all they expect from it no wonder they look no farther; and not having applied themselves to things of this nature, overlook beauties which...
