The art of painting

Abstract

Originally published in 1668 as a Latin poem of 549 verses; it was translated in the same year into French prose by Roger de Piles and published in Paris, 1668. In the preface to the present English edition, John Dryden develops the theme of Ut pictura poesis, writing from his own point of view as a poet and playwright on the parallels of painting and poetry.

Contents

Epistle dedicatory / Richard Graham -- To Jervas with Frensoy's [sic] Art of painting, translated by Mr. Dryden / Alexander Pope -- Preface of the translator, with a parallel of poetry and painting / John Dryden -- The preface of Mons. de Piles, the French translator -- The art of painting / Charles-Alphonse Dufresnoy -- Observations on the Art of painting of Charles Alphonse du Fresnoy / Roger de Piles -- The judgement of Charles Alphonse du Fresnoy on the works of the principal and best painters of the last two ages / Roger de Piles -- A short account of the most eminent painters, both ancient and modern, counted down to the present times, according to the order of their succession / by Richard Graham, the second edition with large additions.