70 THE WORKS OF
without rules is all hazard. How is it possible
to arrive to a determinate end without a sure guide
to conduct us? Painting and sculpture are arts
similar to poetry ; and as in this last art, sensibility,
imagination and genius, can never produce, with-
out rules and knowledge, any thing but dreams
and monstrous productions, the same mud hap-
pen in the two first. Therefore, as the poet, with-
out knowing profoundly the subjeCt which he has
to treat and the language in which he is to ex-
plain himself, can never produce a perfect work,
neither will the painter or sculptor know how to
perform a work worthy these professions, is
they know not the forms of the bodies which
they imitate, and the diversity of manners with
which they present them to our sight; and the
same will happen if they know not the theory
of the art.
I do not, however, say that theory alone ought
to exclude the exercise of the hand ; on the con-
trary, I infinitely recommend it: both ought
always to be united ; and in this sense ought to
be understood the oracle of Michael Angelo,
who was wont to say that all the art consided in
the obedience of the band to the conception. This
great man well understood that images ought
to be well imprinted on the mind, and the idea
of every thing which the hand ought to execute.
From whence it is necessary always to have practice,
but with the knowledge of why and wherefore.
The able professors of an academy ought to
endeavour, by conferring together, to find out
certain rules, by which students may be able