[d'après NOLDUS 2008, p. 5-7:] Eumarus avait l’habitude de tout faire d’après la vie.

EUMAROS

[D'après NOLDUS 2008, p. 5-7:] Clésidès travaillait d’après la vie, et aussi d’après ses souvenirs.

CLESIDES

[D'après NOLDUS 2008, p. 38:] 13 Quand vous vous serez fait la main, sans trop peiner, mais en vous exerçant patiemment, et que vos yeux commencent à y voir clair passez de l’imagination à la réalité, c’est-à-dire à la vie qui nous est propice. En elle, une douceur facile et simple {Qu’il faut beaucoup travailler d’après la vie ; dans la vie, il y a une certaine facilité agréable.} se manifeste dans le repos comme dans le mouvement. Qu’elle soit votre Étoile qui vous guide le navire.

[D'après NOLDUS 2008, p.40-41:] 21 On fait des pastels de différentes couleurs {Comment on fait des pastels.} qu’on mélange à une Colle à moitié putréfiée. Avec cela, on peut imiter les formes de la Nature ; {Les pastels sont utiles pour rendre les couleurs d’après la vie.} Oui, donner aussi à toutes les figures des couleurs vives tout aussi bien que pâles. Ainsi l’on peut s’attirer des louanges car si l’Art du Dessin est le Père de la Peinture il n’y a pas deux choses qui se ressemblent plus.

[D'après NOLDUS 2008, p. 134-135:] 37 Même s’il faut chercher, de maintes manières, - d’après la vie ou d’après des modèles agréables -, à jeter – au lavis – des feuillages sur des papiers teintés, en espérant s’accomplir avec le temps, cela ne paraît pas être, au contraire des corps musclés, un Art qu’on peut apprendre. Car feuilles, cheveux, ciels et drapés relèvent de l’esprit, et seul l’esprit peut nous y guider. {Les feuilles, cheveux et drapés sont difficiles à apprendre parce que ce sont des choses de l’esprit.}

[D'après NOLDUS 2008, p. 148:] 36. À quoi vous servirais-je, si je vous recommandais toujours de copier des statues ou des gravures ? Bassan, ce grand artiste, seul maître absolu de la Peinture animalière, {Il est recommandé de prendre les peintures animalières du Bassan pour Exemple.} et que personne n’égale en valeur artistique, peignait ses Moutons toisonnés, ses Chèvres hirsutes, ses Oiseaux, Poissons, Fruits et métaux d’après la vie, car c’est là où l’on trouve le vrai.

BASSANO, Jacopo

[D'après NOLDUS 2008, p. 151:] 47 Qui pourrait assouvir votre faim et votre envie ô Jeunes ? et dépeindre ici tous les Animaux, non seulement les Lions, mais aussi les horribles Monstres et Dragons ? Il n’y a rien de mieux pour éviter des erreurs que de vous renvoyer à la Nature. Vous y trouverez un modèle pour toutes choses ; observez comment chaque être se couche, court, marche ou se tourne, et traitez tout selon sa nature. {Qu’il n’y a rien de meilleur que de tout peindre d’après la vie, en étant attentif à tous les mouvements, et au traitement spécifique de chaque sujet.}

[D'après NOLDUS 2008, p. 155:] 8 Je ne déconseille pas une grande application dans l’apprentissage de la peinture de différents Tissus d’après la vie : aux yeux de Lucas, c’était sans fin, {Différentes sortes de Tissus d’après la vie. Le Drapé relève davantage de l’Esprit que le feuillage ou les cheveux.} selon le témoignage d’un proche qui avait bien connu cet artiste très célèbre. Cependant, le Drapé est, plus que le feuillage, les cheveux ou les barbes, une quête de l’esprit, et une invention de l’imagination, parce qu’il faut l’arranger, le ramasser, le relever, et l’attacher.{Manipuler et attacher les Tissus.}

[Suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] …it is necessity that those go even further, who observe these wonders of Nature not only to the extent of human ingenuity, but also wonderfully reproduce the similitude after life of the same wonders.

[Suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides this aforementioned Imitation of natural bodies by which the Artists are stimulated to express all sorts of visible things after life, we should here consider another type of Imitation, by which the Artists dares to also depict such things that are far removed from man's view. And although the principal power of this imitation exists in the fantasy, then we should still thank our eyes for the first beginnings of this imagination; as the internal representations that play in our thoughts can never be modeled there, unless we have first beheld the shape of things somewhere in coarse with our eyes, or at least have felt with one or another of our five senses.

Junius identifies to types or levels of imitation. The first type occupies itself with expressing the natural world directly. The second type of imitation starts by this direct observation of nature, but subsequently processes this observation in the mind, by means of fantasy.[MO]

[Suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] It is certain that the very best Masters who practice their Art in Copper, Ivory, Marble, or also in different paints, extract some precepts from the natural things themselves to direct their imitation after the precepts of this, to not only strike the entire contour of the depicted bodies well, but also to express the light and shadow, the highlights and depths after life.

This section is not present in the first Latin edition of 1637, but is included in the 1694 editions. [MO]

[Suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Yet here we should first make the distinction between the Disposition that tends to spring forth from the Invention, and the other Disposition that is the work of a careful Proportion. This first Disposition or Ordinance, which has its origin in the Invention itself, is nothing else but a lively depiction of the natural order that one tends to recognize in the sequence of the occurring Invention: As such one should not expect here, that this Ordinance would bring forth something new; because it has nothing else to do, than that it attempts to competently bring together that which has already been found, that it expresses the simplicity of the natural history after life by means of an even and singular fluency. As this is a great point, as such it demands an extraordinary carefulness: Because if it had been possible for the old Masters to come up with a certain Ordinance that could be applied to all sorts of occurring situations, many would have been very excellent in grouping their figures,…

Junius distinguishes between two types of composition, although he calls them both disposition (dispositie) and ordinance (ordonnantie) interchangeably. The first type is connected to the artistic invention (inventie) and basically expresses that which is already seen in nature. It requires that the artist works with care (zorgvuldigheid) after life (naar het leven). The other type, on which Junius does not elaborate here, is related to proportion (proportie), thus suggesting the necessity of the artist’s knowledge of proportion. This paragraph is very different in the Latin edition, the explanation of the distinction between the different terms does not occur in the Latin edition and only partially in the English edition. The part after 'Oversulcks behoeft men...' is not included in the English edition. [MO]

[Suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] In the diversity of the Historical matters we find a first, second, third meaning almost everywhere, coming from the manifold action which is shown in it, yet as such it is not enough that we attempt to involve the manifold circumstances of an abundant subject in an apparent order, unless this order depicts the specific sequence that can be found in the circumstances of the history itself after life; as such we should make an even greater effort to put all the separate parts of the occurring matter together with such an able and unfathomable connection, that they no longer appear to be separate parts, but a whole and perfect body.

[Suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Those who have developed their eyes to this tireless ability of an incontradictable judgement through the daily practice of a steady observation, tend to demonstrate the most power of their knowledge of art by knowing to immediately distinguish the originals from the copies. The original works that the competent Masters have made after life itself, are understood here wit the term of original pieces; the copies on the other hand are nothing else than the drawings after it, or the offprints, or casts, or paintings after it that one has drawn or painted after the original piece. The frank Art-connoisseurs tend to perceive the complete power of a lively gracefulness in the original pieces; while they only become aware of the defective wretchedness of a flawed lifelessness in the fakes. There is always a graceful pleasure to be found in all the originals, says Dionisius Halicarnessensis {…}, the copied pieces on the other hand, as competently expressed as they may be, tend to show by one element or another that is too cultivated, to not be originating from nature. […]

DIONYSIOS HALIKARNASSEUS

[Suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The fate of the copies of the most perfect Paintings tend to be similar; one sees them daily diverging from the neatness of their originals; Because as it is difficult to make a true similitude after life, says the same Plinius in another location {…}, as such the imitation of the imitated is even harder

PLINIUS, L'Ancien

Somewhat contradicting earlier statements in this chapter, Junius states that is more difficult to produce a good copy (kopie), as it is hard to imitate (nabootsen) the imitation. Copies necessary lack the neatness (netheid) of the originals (origineel) that are painted after natuur (naar het leven). [MO]

[proposition de traduction, Léonard Pouy:] […] Choisissons donc le plus louable en suivant la nature, si abondante dans sa diversité que si quelqu’un l’imite de manière vraie, il sera impossible de déterminer l’auteur de l’œuvre. À moins que quelqu’un n’imite la vie d’une façon si naturelle et non moins variée, qu’on puisse en déduire que l’œuvre a dû être faite par un tel maître, car jamais auparavant on avait entendu parler de quelqu’un s’approchant autant du vif. Cela serait alors déduit non de sa manière de faire mais de sa ressemblance inédite avec la vie.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] [...] about the Rabbits we only have to remark, that more different colours can be found, than with the Hares; Namely white, black, pale, reddish, yet most grayish; regarding which nothing else but applying and choosing the colours is to be observed for the Colouring, like it can be found in other Animals that have already been described: because those who have come this far, will be able to imitate the other [ndr: animals] after the life and the occasion of their Mind.

The phrasing is more succinct in the English translation. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Furthermore, the other small Fruit growing in the earth [ndr: beets, carrots etc.] should attempted to be done after the life, because the Loving Artist who wants to practice himself in this, should always be inclined to generally observe the life with attention, so that – if he has to do without the life – he could help himself by means of his trained imagination, because it is impossible to describe everything here. But before we end this Chapter, we should first remark, especially for the Fruits, that one should not make them always of one Colouring, especially when the same thing is depicted several times in one piece, like in Fruit pieces, in which an Apple, Pear, Apricot nor Prune is not the same as the others, but always different, one a bit more yellow, greener, redder, and so on, than the other, which is a pleasure to behold and shows the mind of the Artist.

This section is more succinct in the English translation and the selected terms are missing. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And therefore it is very necessary, as soon as one somewhat understands the aforementioned things, that one moves to the Drawing after Life, besides practicing oneself with all natural Creatures, in the drawing after that delightful Creature, the Human Figure {The Human Figures is the principal thing.}, in which the wise God and Creator has contained all visible and invisible things, all that is in the whole World, as in a summary.

Goeree discerns different types of drawing and gives ample advice and commentary. Here he discusses the practice of drawing after the life. This section is somewhat different in the English translation, where the text places more emphasis on the diligence of the pupil. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Now we arrive at those things that need to be observed in Drawing after the life. {The Life is abundant.} It is clear that the Life and Nature are abundant and perfect in everything, and therefore the lesser parts of it are more delightful to imitate than the craft work of the best Masters; like the Ancient renowned Painter Eupompus provided this once as Lesson for his disciples, as soon as they were capable to swim without the help of aid [ndr.: literally floaties that help poor swimmers to stay afloat]; which should give us an indication to, as soon as we have obtained the way to imitate the Artful Work of others, to proceed to the natural life itself as well; as it is the most necessary of all. {Stimulus and necessity to follow the life.} Here the curious disciples should encourage each other, choosing the time and occasion of an adequate location, and start a College with some fellows to draw after the living nude, once every other day, at least once a Week. Because this is a useful and praiseworthy custom, and very beneficial for the progress of study; {Choosing a College and for what reason.} they either do this under the supervision of a good Master, or in a College with eight or ten of them, not with the purpose to seduce each other with this gathering, or to cause disturbance and spend the precious time taunting each other, but to quietly and truly stimulate the others and to show a diligent example; to politely point out each other’s faults, with the knowledge that one has, by improving through each other’s judgement.

EUPOMPUS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] {Drawing the landscape is very useful and delightful.} But before we part from the life, we cannot omit to also briefly point out the use of Drawing Landscapes, Perspectives, Mountains, Dunes, Shadows in the Forrest, Bushes, Plants, Ruins and all sorts of Animals of the Field, like Horses, Oxen, Cows, Sheep, Goats and what else one runs into in the countryside; this is a pleasant Study and useful relaxation for the Draughtsmen (besides the relief that it provides as the leisure of the usual Figure-Practice); moreover it is a way to make oneself Universal in the Art: {That one should love all Study of the Art of Painting.} ‘Because he cannot be considered a great Master or bright Mind, (says Leonardo da Vinci) who is only perfect at one thing; there are few such firm brains that with time will arrive at doing one thing well: Adding that a Young Man who does not love all parts of the Art equally, he may be as bright as he wishes, but he will never become a great universal Master.’ In general one observes that Draughtsmen and Painters who have inclination for that which concerns the Landscapes, and when they are asked to go draw after the life, or find a reason to make them [ndr.: i.e. landscapes], or to draw after the life, they often boast that this Study is too bad to waste their time on; and because of this neglect, amongst other things, it happens that so few are able to make themselves general in the Art. But to improve on this flaw, it is advisable that one goes twice or three times a year to the countryside, to draw after the life according to the different seasons, the landscapes and all that may be gathered from it to advance the Universal Study:

DA VINCI, Leonardo

The citation from Leonardo da Vinci is not included in the English translation and the reflection on how to become a universal master is only partially included. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] In the period when some Masters overestimated themselves in the Anatomy and some failed, some have behaved themselves much more modestly, as their works and prints demonstrate. {What some master have done to XX [ndr: illegible] the decayed Anatomy.} People testify that the Florentine Painter Dello was the first under the modern [ndr: artists], who started to portray the muscles with an intelligent judgement according to the actions and movements. Likewise it was said about the painter Rosso that he systematically exhumed the dead and made an Anatomy out of them with great diligence. Certainly, he who, for the general practice and observation of examples, besides the frequent Drawing of Academy-figures, can also find the opportunity to observe the dissection of the dead body of a man, or do such a thing himself in a decent way, he has the means to penetrate the artful invention of the biggest masterpiece of creation with observation, and to bring that which he sees here after life in a dead corpse into the rules of his art.

DELLO (unidentified)
Modernes (Les)
ROSSO FIORENTINO (Giovanni Battista di Jacopo)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] …like the Physicians and Surgeons by the dozens (since mass-producers are botchers?) have pointed out different Shapes of Heads; which – as they most of all diverge from the generally Beautiful and Well-made – do not need to be repeated here, while the Art of Painting can do without all Deformity. There are so many elements in the common Lump or Form of the Head, that a Portrait or Face that is Painted after Life, cannot even resemble it a bit, if the General [characteristics] of the whole Head have not been observed in it, as we have elaborately taught in our Teykenkunde [ndr: reference to his own book].

GOEREE, Willem

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Now when a steady Draughtsman has planted the illustration of these Facial Categories in some way in his memory; (How one should prepare oneself to paint Faces or Portraits after his imagination, that is, from the Mind after Life.} And he will find the opportunity to depict, that is to portray, someone who he has only seen once, as such he has to remember and reproduce in a lively manner, all that comes to his mind about the Expression and Features of the proposed Man, by means of a powerful Imagination; And deliver this to the Expression of some or other Face, or Model; And determine which type or Model of the general illustration coincides best with his Thought, rather stylized and forced, or with the likeness of his mental Image. Then one has to move to the specific feature of the forehead, Nose or Mouth and Chin, and pay attention to which degree of expression the Examples that he has seen have a resemblance with that of the imagined Expression. By doing this one will certainly become aware, that one possesses a means to do this according to a certain Rule. It is written about the Italian Painter Domenico Ghirlandaio that he had mastered the Physiognomy so well, that through Imagination he never missed to notice a clear resemblance, while making a Portrait. In which a certain Francesco Mazzoli [ndr: Parmigianino] also was a fellow craftsman. Other Minds have been able to do it based on the description of others: Such that they made Portraits and Scenes of People who had long been deceased; and whom they had never seen with their own Eyes.

GHIRLANDAIO, Domenico
IL PARMIGIANINO (Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola)

technical note: There is a mistake in the pdf, these are pages 230 and 223 of the pdf. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] We have always been of the opinion, that for the expression of all sorts of charming Actions and Passions, from which the best spring forth, no practice is more useful to the Painter; than to sketch many thing after Life with good observation; and especially those things, that occur to him by accident and occasionally in silence;

[translation: BEURS, en préparation, transl. Myra Scholz:] And this should be enough on the subject of all birds, particularly if we learn how to render with the brush the beautiful, shining colors of the peacock, as they appear in life.

[translation: BEURS, en préparation, transl. Myra Scholz:] {Silver} Silver presents no difficulties unless in a burnished state, the way it is usually painted, starting with black, umber, and light ochre, then deepened with black, and heightened with flake white. It is easy to arrive at a color for the sheen that strikes the eye of the viewer—which corresponds to the amount of light that falls on it, and is bounced back more or less intensely to the viewing point, in keeping with the laws of nature.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] It is noteworthy, that in these countries the Art of Drawing is so seldom attempted, yes judged to be so worthless and unnecessary, as if it were a waste of time, and not worth the trouble, to dedicate any effort or study to. Although I have had to work very hard, to learn something. Not only in my youth, but until the last day before this accident happened to me, I have followed the weekly classes and drawn academy figures after the life, besides the other habits that I had, of drawing after the Antique, bas-reliefs, and the dressed manikin, as these models or drawings that are in the possession of the amateurs, may show. And still I did not know enough, for my liking, to carry the name of history painter. But why would it be necessary to provide my own example, as if it does not show enough in the works of the old famous masters, that they have applied all their diligence and care to excel in the Art of Drawing, such as Raphael, Michelangelo, Carracci and many others; not only for the human figure, but everything; for landscape, architecture, portraits, flowers, animals and what else is necessary to be universal or general?

CARRACCI, Annibale
MICHELANGELO (Michelangelo Buonarroti)
RAFFAELLO (Raffaello Sanzio)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Now it is easy to understand how delightful it is, in drawing after the life, when one has a firm contour, of a single or round object, whether portraits, nude figures, drapery, yes whatever it may be; which makes our work elevated by heightening alone, makes the object resemble and show the shadow coming forward, without touching it; if necessary, put a little depth in the darkest hollow parts, save the reflections from it if demanded: and if the ground is a bit too dark; you will point out the aforementioned reflections with your light. From which one can easily understand, how much more adequate than the other this manner is: because although one [ndr: artist] capably makes his figure by drawing on white paper, you will have done two or more in this manner. And if these drawings are executed well, they are surely the most adequate to paint after, and no model painted in gray will have to be inferior to life itself, that is except for the colour.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] But when I searched for it, I found the sober knowledge that I had about the aforementioned beauty of the ancients to be the reason: therefore investigating eagerly wherein it lay most, I say the life with a very different eye than before: and then became able, while drawing after the nude model, to make some improvements here and there, without putting too much thought in it, insensitive so to say. The very best, to my opinion, to study with benefit at the Academies, is when the model is rather good and well-proportioned; to commit to it at once, without adding the least, or leave out; especially those who are not perfectly familiar with the beautiful grace of the Antique: meanwhile practicing themselves after plaster casts, beautiful prints and drawings, to obtain it, and thus (without much effort) get used to improve their models; searching here and there, the parts that resemble to your models, correcting it accordingly: Such as a breast, thigh, arm, hands and feet. By doing this, you will certainly obtain the right knowledge of it, and be able to distinguish the antique from the modern, and observe your models, notwithstanding they are faulty in some parts, in the manner that I said, not how it is; but how it is supposed to be, and improving it unaffectedly. And to advance even better, in this practice after the life and continue; you rely on the anatomy [ndr: the study of the anatomy]:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] In drawing after the life or the nude model, the principal things can be remarked: Firstly an adequate place to sit or distance to the figure. Secondly, the central line or balance, sitting or standing. Thirdly, the [ndr: body] parts that are moving or working, in which the muscles show themselves strongly. Fourthly, the cast shadow on the planum [ndr: surface] or ground, its length and breadth. And finally the horizon.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Yet beforehand it is necessary to know, that drawing after the life is twofold, one is necessary, the other coincidental. The necessary is, when one has conceived a composition and is in need of the life to execute it. The coincidental is that which one draws without concept (for which it will be used) in the College, positioned by someone.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Furthermore, to point out in a nude what is a good contrast and from which a well-positioned figure derives his movement, or action. Because the solemnity, elegance and grace of a well-made body consists in an orderly and real positioning of the limbs. If I should say how I feel, I think the drawing after the life is of no value whatsoever, if this does not precede it: yes no more than the colouring without the art of drawing. Because of what use is the life, no matter how long we draw, if one does not have the power to position a figure well.

[D'après DE LAIRESSE 1787, p.57:] Etudiez ensuite le coloris, nons dans l’Espagnolet ou dans le Caravage, mais dans la nature, & donnez à vos chairs toute la vérité possible […]

EL ESPAGÑOLETO (José de Ribera)
LOTH, Johann Carl

In the French edition of 1787, the second artist is wrongfully identified as Caravaggio, instead of Carlotto (Johann Carl Loth).

[D'après DE LAIRESSE 1787, p.76:] Afin de donner au jeune artiste une juste idée de la belle proportion des membres, je vais en mettre le rapport sous ses yeux,d’après la mésure que j’en ai faite sur un squélette, conformément aux principes du professeur Bidlo, dans le tems que je dessinois, d’après nature, les figures de son célèbre ouvrage sur l’anatomie.

BIDLOO, Govert

[D'après DE LAIRESSE 1787, p. 448-450:] Comme le peintre est non-seulement obligé de connoître les merveilles de la nature ; mais qu’il doit encore pouvoir représenter, avec la plus grande vérité possible tous les objets, il est nécessaire que nous fassions quelques réflexions sur la plus belle production inanimée […]il n’y a rien au monde qu’on ne puisse rendre [NDR : imiter avec un pinceau et la peinture] sur la toile : le jour, la nuit, le froid, la chaleur, la terre, le ciel ou l’air, l’eau, le feu, le vent la foudre […] & même les choses invisibles, tels que le son d’une trompette […]