Richardson, Jonathan; Egerton, Thomas [Oth.]; Egerton, John [Oth.]; Debrett, John [Oth.]; Faulder, Robert [Oth.]; Miller, W. [Oth.]; Cuthell, J. [Oth.]; Barker, James [Oth.]; Jeffery, Edward [Oth.]: The Works Of Jonathan Richardson: Containing I. The Theory Of Painting. II. Essay On The Art Of Criticism, (So far as it relates to Painting). III. The Science Of A Connoisseur : The Whole intended as a Supplement to the Anecdotes of Painters and Engravers ([London]: Sold by T. and J. Egerton; J. Debrett; R. Faulder, and W. Miller; J. Cuthell; J. Barker; and E. Jeffrey, 1792)

T H £

'THEORY OF PAINTING.

a)ECAUSE pictures are universally delightful, and accordingly
make one part of.our ornamental furniture, many, I believe, con-
sider the art of Painting but as a pleasing superfluity; at best, 'that
it holds %ut a low rank witli respe& to its usefulness to mankind.
If there were in reality no more in it than an inno'cent amuse-
ment; if it were only one of those sweets that the Divine Providence
has bestowed on us, to render the good of our present being superior
to the evil of st; or whether it be or no, to render life somewhat
more eligible, it ought to .be considered as a bounty from Heaven,
and to hold a place in our esteem accordingly. Pleasure, however
it be depreciated, is what we all eagerly and incessantly pursue; and
when innocent,' and consequently a divine benefaction, is to be
considered in that view, and as an ingredient in human life, which
the Supreme Wisdom has judged necessary..
Painting is that pleasant, innocent amusesnent, and as such it
holds its place amongst our enjoyments. But it is more; it is of
great use, as being.one of the means whereby we convey our ideas
to each other, and which, in some respe&s, has the advantage os
all the rest. And thus it must be ranked with-these, and accord-
ingly esteemed not only as an enjoyment^ but as another language,
which completes the whole art of communicating our thoughts,
B . one