Whittock, Nathaniel: The Oxford Drawing Book, Or The Art Of Drawing, And The Theory And Practice Of Perspective: In A Series Of Letters Containing Progressive Information On Sketching, Drawing, And Colouring Landscape Scenery, Animals, And The Human Figure: With A New Method Of Practical Perspective: Detailed In A Novel, Easy, And Perspicuous Style, For The Use Of Teachers, Or For Self-Instruction. Embellished With Upwards Of One Hundred And Fifty Lithographic Drawings, From Real Views, Taken Expressly For This Work (Oxford , London, 1825)

71

and varies his pace at the smallest signal. He is always ready to slacken or hasten
it when made acquainted with his rider’s will. Neither the length of a journey, nor
the unevenness of the way, neither ditches or the most rapid rivers, can discourage
him: he surmounts every obstacle, and no impediment can check his career. Is he
called to any other service ? does it become his duty to defend his master or beai* him
to the attack of an enemy ? f He goeth on to meet the armed men, he mocketh at
fear, and is not affrighted ; the sound of the trumpet and the signal for battle awaken
his courage, and he retreats not at the sight of the drawn sword.” ’ You will recog-
nise the sublime poetry of Job in the latter part of this panegyric on the horse. In-
deed the description of this noble animal given in the 39th chapter of that book, has
never been equalled by any poet, ancient or modern.
Plate XL. contains parts of dogs. Little verbal direction can be given on these
subjects, nor do they require it. The outlines you will observe are still curved lines,
and so is the shading, in the same manner as in the horse: draw the heads and feet
several times, to make yourself familiar with them before you proceed to Plate XLI.
which is a portrait of a tine Newfoundland dog, with a child on its back. You must
draw detached parts of the animal before you venture to attempt the whole figure, nor
20

V