Great discoveries had been made of the enormous resources afforded by
the sun. By the aid of machines this power is greatly utilized in
manufactures, sciences, and arts. The loveliest colours of our fabrics
are those imparted by the action of the sun with the aid of instruments
fitted to the purpose.
When we desire to produce in a painting the effect of sunshine, the rays
of the sun are attracted and permanently fixed on the parts of the
picture we wish to illumine. The effect produced is as though the sun
was actually shining on the picture. The effects of sunrise or sunset--
the effects of the most brilliant, as well as the least vivid,
sunshine--can be produced at will, and are exactly those of nature. Some
of these effects are so vivid, that it would dazzle the eye to look on
the sunny parts of the picture for any length of time.
A preparation sympathetic to the sun's rays having been rubbed over the
part they are intended to illumine, the rays are concentrated there by
means of an attracting and concentrating instrument. Another solution is
then thrown rapidly on the part illumined in order to fix the rays
permanently. A brush was used at first; but, in spite of all care, this
left its deep shadow, which greatly marred the effect. Even now much
care is necessary, and the solution must be thrown from the side with
considerable address, so that the sun's rays may not be intercepted.
This solution serves also to fix the rest of the colours. The picture is
painted on a fine material like linen, of great durability.
This art of using the sun's rays was much used on the paintings in my
summer palace. The brilliant sunlight of the outer world thrown on the
principal figures produced a greater effect in the subdued light of the
internal city.