98 NOTES. 



trials of this kind will be fufficient to give the method of their 

 conduct in the management of their lights. After a few trials 

 I found the paper blotted nearly alike; their general practice 

 appeared to be, to allow not above a quarter of the picture for 

 the light, including in this portion both the principal and 

 fecondary lights; another quarter to be as dark as poffiblej and- 

 the remaining half kept in mezzotint or half fhadow. 



Rubens appears to have admitted rather more light than a 

 quarter, and Rembrant much lefs, fcarce an eighth ; by this- 

 conduct Rembrant's light is extremely brilliant, but it cofts too 

 much ; the reft of the picture is facrificed to this one object. 

 That light will certainly appear the brighteft which is fur- 

 rounded with the greateft quantity of made, fuppofing equal- 

 fkill in the artift. 



By this means you may likewife remark the various forms 

 and fliapes of thofe lights, as well as the objects on which 

 they are flung, whether an a figure, or the flcy, on a white 

 napkin, on animals, or utenfils, often introduced for this pur- 

 pofe only: It may be obferved likewife what portion is ftrongly 

 relieved, and how much is united with its ground, for it is 

 neceflary that fome part (tho' a fmall one is fufficient) mould 

 be marp and cutting againft its ground, whether it be light 

 on a dark, or dark on a light ground, in order to give firm- 

 nefs and diftinctnefs to the work ; if on the other hand it is 

 relieved on every fide, it will appear as if inlaid on its ground. 

 Such a blotted paper, held at a diftance from the eye, will 

 ftrike the Spectator as fomething excellent for the difpofition 

 of light and fhadow, though he does not diftinguifti whether 

 it is a Hiftory, a Portrait, a Landfcape, dead Game, or any 

 thing elfe, for the fame principles extend to every branch of 

 the art. 



Whether 



