Academy of the Most Noble Art of Painting

Decorative floral ornaments arranged in two groups at the head of the page.

from the beginning, I have so guided this work that I might bring it to the very end of my life. Beyond this, I have spared neither care nor expense to present to the eyes of spectators the images that were at hand, rendered in copper original: "in ære effectas"; referring to copperplate engravings, the standard for high-quality book illustration in the 17th century. by the hands of the most celebrated engravers. Thus, through letters, through lines, and through praise, those whom we believe can achieve perpetual immortality will live forever. Therefore, since the honors and ornaments of these artists are seen more in the most shining City of VENICE than anywhere else, and since the entire majesty of the Arts is settled in her most sacred lap, I dare to submit this ACADEMY OF THE ART OF PAINTING at the feet of YOUR SERENITY (so that it may have a defense and protection for its dignity). This work will perhaps bring no less utility to future ages than it is to bring pleasure to me; for I have proposed this Art—hitherto almost unknown—to be imitated by the most excellent artists.

Our Albrecht Dürer, a man the more incomparable because he easily snatched the palm of victory To "snatch the palm" is a classical idiom for winning or being the best. from the individual Praxiteleses, Lysippuses, or Apelleses These are the names of the most famous sculptors and painters of ancient Greece, used here as benchmarks for supreme artistic talent. of previous centuries through the absolute elegance of these delights, had indeed attempted this in his Symmetry of the Human Body original: "Hominis Symmetria"; referring to Dürer's influential treatise Four Books on Human Proportion (1528).. Truly, since "day unto day adds knowledge," A reference to Psalm 19:2, suggesting that knowledge is cumulative over time. it was easier to add to things already discovered, and to provide those things to which Albrecht—owing to the brevity of life—could not put the finishing touch.

These are the things, MOST SERENE PRINCE, Addressing the Doge of Venice. which have occupied my life from my childhood even unto old age. These are the things, MOST EXCELLENT ELDERS, which I trust will add a greater fullness of name to one born nobly; and which have won the benevolence and, if I may say so, the familiarity of so many Princes—of our August Emperor Referring to Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor., and of the Most Serene Electors of BAVARIA, BRANDENBURG, and the PALATINATE. These, finally, are the things which I gladly attach to the Eternity of YOUR SERENITY AND EXCELLENCE.

Nuremberg, May 1st,
1683.