DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.42851#0373
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to look quite distorted ; this disagreeable effect will be avoided by observing (unless
prevented by circumstances) never to be nearer the building than twice its elevation
or length, which will bring the object within an angle of forty-five degrees; this rule
also holds good with respect to looking at pictures, as it is impossible to see the
whole at a less distance than twice its longest side. As that may be considered as
the focal point, it will at once account for small pictures requiring more finish than
large ones, as the eye at the time it takes in the whole is capable of distinguishing
the most minute parts. “ In looking at pictures the spectator should observe two
things; first, to place them on the plane of their horizon; and secondly, not to go
nearer than the above focal point.” The remarks on light and shade are particu-
larly beautiful, and will supply any deficiency of information in what I have written
on this subject: “ As much of the success of the picture depends on the judgment
used in arranging the masses of shade, great care should be taken to keep them
broad and simple, otherwise it will be vain to expect what the painter calls a good
whole ; that is, such a union of light with light, and shadow with shadow, as to excite
a pleasing sensation to the eye. When the natural as well as their projected sha-
dows are laid in, the next step will be uniting them together so as to form them into
masses: to this end the interposition of artificial or accidental shadows will be neces-
sary, (such as those thrown from the clouds,) which by being judiciously used may
to look quite distorted ; this disagreeable effect will be avoided by observing (unless
prevented by circumstances) never to be nearer the building than twice its elevation
or length, which will bring the object within an angle of forty-five degrees; this rule
also holds good with respect to looking at pictures, as it is impossible to see the
whole at a less distance than twice its longest side. As that may be considered as
the focal point, it will at once account for small pictures requiring more finish than
large ones, as the eye at the time it takes in the whole is capable of distinguishing
the most minute parts. “ In looking at pictures the spectator should observe two
things; first, to place them on the plane of their horizon; and secondly, not to go
nearer than the above focal point.” The remarks on light and shade are particu-
larly beautiful, and will supply any deficiency of information in what I have written
on this subject: “ As much of the success of the picture depends on the judgment
used in arranging the masses of shade, great care should be taken to keep them
broad and simple, otherwise it will be vain to expect what the painter calls a good
whole ; that is, such a union of light with light, and shadow with shadow, as to excite
a pleasing sensation to the eye. When the natural as well as their projected sha-
dows are laid in, the next step will be uniting them together so as to form them into
masses: to this end the interposition of artificial or accidental shadows will be neces-
sary, (such as those thrown from the clouds,) which by being judiciously used may