Theory and Practice
51.
Knowledge is the captain, and practice the soldiers.
52.
The painter who draws by practice and by the eye, without the guide of reason, is like the mirror, which reflects all the objects which are placed before it and knows not that they exist.
53.
Many will consider they can reasonably blame me by alleging that my proofs are contrary to the authority of many men held in great esteem by their inexperienced judgements: overlooking the fact that my works are solely and simply the offspring of experience, which is the veritable master.
54.
They who are enamoured of practice without knowledge are like the mariner who puts to sea in a vessel without rudder or compass, and who navigates without a course. Practice should always be based on sound theory; perspective is the guide and the portal of theory, and without it nothing can be well done in the art of painting.
Course of Study