Practical Hints on Light and Shade in Painting. Illustrated by Examples from the Italian, Flemish, and Dutch Schools

Burnet, John

Published by Printed for the Proprietor, and Sold by James Carpenter and Son, Old Bond Street, London, 1826

About this Item

First edition of this introduction to chiaroscuro by Scottish painter John Burnet, whose popular treatises on art theory and practice would be reprinted on both sides of the Atlantic for nearly a century. This work follows the success of Burnet s 1822 Practical Hints on Composition in Painting. In this second treatise, Burnet takes up the handling of light by painters including Tintoretto, Veronese, Titian, Van Dyck, Rubens, and especially Rembrandt: "The most learned arrangements of light and shade may astonish; but there is a charm in the chiaroscuro of nature which carries irresistable sway." Much of the appeal of Burnet s work lies in his original engravings: the eight plates in this volume represent an ambitious picture gallery of almost forty Old Master paintings, each accompanied by a discussion of the artist s talent and technique. A very good copy. Quarto, measuring 11 x 8.5 inches: vi, [2], 45, [1], [2]. Contemporary drab boards neatly rebacked, spine lettered in gilt, publisher s advertisement mounted to front pastedown. Eight engraved plates throughout text. Publisher s prospectuses for William Light s Series of Views of Pompeii and P.F. Robinson s New Vitruvius Britannicus bound in before half-title; two-page publisher s catalog bound at rear. Closed marginal tear to preliminary blank, occasional foxing.

Seller Inventory # 1003705

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Practical Hints on Light and Shade in Painting. Illustrated by Examples from the Italian, Flemish, and Dutch Schools
• Publisher: Printed for the Proprietor, and Sold by James Carpenter and Son, Old Bond Street, London
• Publication Date: 1826
• Binding: Hardcover
• Seller catalogs:
  • art
  • illustrated
  • essay