First edition of one of the few early works on sculpture, combined with a study on painting. The work was intended for art students, as the author was convinced that theoretical knowledge of art was an absolute necessity to be a good artist. He discusses design, composition, and colours for both painting and sculpture, and also includes a section on how art is perceived by the audience.
The first volume is primarily concerned with painting, the second volume is on sculpture.
Michel François Dandré-Bardon (1700-1783) was a man of many talents. He was a painter, engraver, author, and composer. He was taught in his youth by the painters Jean Baptiste van Loo (1684-1745) and Jean-François de Troy (1679-1752), both included in the list of biographies. He became a member of the Académie in Paris after submitting his now well-known painting of Tullia running her chariot over her father's body, and was the founder of the Académie of Marseille.
With a label mounted on the front pastedown of both volumes, a black ownership stamp on the back flyleaf of the first volume, an owner's inscription on the back pastedown of volume 1, which was also present on the back pastedown of volume 2, but has been removed. The boards of both volumes are somewhat rubbed, with signs of wear at the foot of the spine of volume 1, and a few worm holes in the front and back board of volume 2. The work is somewhat browned throughout. Otherwise in good condition. Cioranescu 22253; cf. Benezit 3, p. 345; Thieme/Becker VIII, pp. 346-7.