Lectures on Painting

Henry Fuseli’s “Lectures on Painting” is a collection of talks he gave at the Royal Academy in March 1801. Fuseli’s opinions on “Invention,” “Modern Art,” and “Ancient Art” are included in the book. He defends selection from nature, extols the virtues of classical art and the Italian schools of Rome and Florence, and scorns aggressive subjects, unusual personal style, and Italian mannerisms. It’s an invaluable tool for anybody curious about the origins and development of art.