The Lovers of Perspective.
The Art of PERSPECTIVE does, with wonderful Pleasure, deceive the Eye,
the most subtle of all our outward Senses; and is very necessary to be
known of all, who in Painting would give a due Place and Proportion to
their Figures, and more or less Strength requisite to the Lights and
Shades of the Picture. This might be insensibly attain’d, if Persons, not
content with the Study of Drawing only, would accustom themselves exactly
to delineate the several Orders of Architecture. Nevertheless, among
many who have hitherto vigorously undertaken this Work, there have been
but very few, who have not been in a manner quite discourag’d, through
want of Masters and Books to teach them clearly and methodically the
Rules of Perspective-Projections, from the first Principles of the Art,
to the entire Perfection thereof. Wherefore, apprehending that by long
and constant Practice in Works of this kind, I had acquir’d a Method
to facilitate the same; I judg’d it might be for the Satisfaction and
Advantage of the Studious, to publish the shortest way for designing in
Perspective the several Orders of Architecture, by a common and easy
Rule, free from the Incumbrances of occult Lines. But if it please God
to give me Life and Health to compose another Book, I shall therein shew
the Method of putting Works into Perspective by the Rule I make use of at
present, which is more easy and general than the common way, though this
be the Foundation of the other. Therefore, Reader, my Advice is, that
you chearfully begin your Work, with a Resolution to draw all the Lines
thereof to that true point, the Glory of GOD; and I durst predict, and
promise you good Success in so honourable an Undertaking.