158 THE FINE ARTS. 
E.. Illumination. 
The supply of light by which an object becomes visible is called ¢dwmv- 
nation. It requires a special course of study similar to that of perspective 
to render its effects on single objects in a drawing. The requisite informa- 
tion is imparted by a special division of the theory of the art of drawing, 
called projection of light and shade, and it can only be properly practised in 
drawing from models. Presupposing this study, we offer the following remarks 
on pictorial illumination in general. In nature, light admits of endless 
variety ; and according as it varies, the object produces a different impression 
upon theeye. The effects of different kinds of illumination are often so diverse 
that itis difficult to persuade ourselves that we see the same object. It would 
be a fruitless undertaking to endeavor to describe completely the effects of 
the various kinds of illumination; we will only call the artist’s attention to 
the fact that the knowledge of illumination is an important branch of paint- — 
ing, and even of composition, since the choice made of it co-operates in 
determining the tone of a picture. Nature is here the best instructor; and the 
mode of profiting by her teachings is to observe a landscape under a very 
bright and very cloudy sky, in moderate daylight and strong sunshine, 
when the sun is high and when he is low in the heavens, and with the light 
falling upon it in front, on the side, and in the rear. Under each of these 
altered conditions we behold a different picture. When the painter ob- 
serves a happy or an ill effect, let him investigate the cause of the same. 
It is only thus that he can obtain a perfect knowledge of the effects of , 
illumination, so as to employ it properly in his pictures. It would be of 
great advantage to a painting-academy if it were furnished with a kind of 
stage resembling that of a theatre, on which various models and complete 
grouped pictures could be exposed to every kind of illumination and from 
every direction, while the back-grounds by means of curtains could be repre- 
sented in various degrees of brightness. 
E. The Various Kinds of Painting. 
The products of the art of painting may be classified according to 
their several principal objects of representation. The designation of the 
various branches of the art under this classification are, Portrait Painting, 
Historical Painting, Religious Pamting, Painting of Low Lnfe ; Land- 
scape Painting including the special branches, Vaval Painting, Painting 
of Anumal Life, &e. 
If, however, we consider the phases of life represented in art, in 
nature as well as in history, we find two principal classes of painting, the 
Painting of Conditions, and the Painting of History in Nature and Infe. 
The latter class would naturally include all historical paintings proper ; but 
it includes also everything that is popularly designated as Genre Painting © 
and, what may be considered still more strange, a part of landscape painting, 
whilst another part belongs to the painting of conditions. As this classifi- 
cation, though strictly logical in every instance, would involve difficulties 
arising from the unfamiliarity of the majority of readers with its motives, 
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