IX.
In 4to, 16 Plates, price 30s.,
THE GEOMETRIC BEAUTY OF THE HUMAN FIGURE DEFINED.
To which is prefixed, a SYSTEM of ÆSTHETIC PROPORTION applicable to ARCHITECTURE and the other FORMATIVE ARTS.
From the Cambridge Journal of Classical and Sacred Philology.
We feel bound to pay Mr Hay a large and glad tribute of praise for having devised a system of proportions which rises superior to the idiosyncrasies of different artists, which brings back to one common type the sensations of Eye and Ear, and so makes a giant stride towards that codification of the laws of the universe which it is the business of science to effect. We have no hesitation in saying that, for scientific precision of method and importance of results, Albert Durer, Da Vinci, and Hogarth—not to mention less noteworthy writers—must all yield the palm to Mr Hay.
X.
In oblong folio, 57 Plates and numerous Woodcuts, price 42s.,
AN ESSAY ON ORNAMENTAL DESIGN, IN WHICH ITS TRUE PRINCIPLES ARE DEVELOPED AND ELUCIDATED, &c.
From the Athenæum.
In conclusion, Mr Hay’s book goes forth with our best wishes. It must be good. It must be prolific of thought—stimulant of invention. It is to be acknowledged as a benefit of an unusual character conferred on the arts of ornamental design.
From the Spectator.
Mr Hay has studied the subject deeply and scientifically. In this treatise on ornamental design, the student will find a clue to the discovery of the source of an endless variety of beautiful forms and combinations of lines, in the application of certain fixed laws of harmonious proportion to the purposes of art. Mr Hay also exemplifies the application of his theory of linear harmony to the production of beautiful forms generally, testing its soundness by applying it to the human figure, and the purest creations of Greek art.
From Fraser’s Magazine.