An account of a new process in painting: in two parts

Abstract

The writer devised a method of “dry coloring” using crayons fixed with a variety of oils and varnishes. Much of the second part is devoted to a description of the properties of various colors, and the preparation of various grounds and binders. The author states: “The slight accident of spilling some wax on a crayon drawing, sketched on the back of a book bound in rough calf leather, first led me to engage in a train of experiments, the result of which I now offer to the attention of the public. On attempting to scrape off the wax, a glaze was produced, which exhibited the coloring with that peculiarity of texture and surface which so generally distinguishes works of the old masters. It gave a depth and mellowness of tone rarely to be found in modern paintings, and served at once to show all the brilliant effects that might be obtained, if the art of glazing crayons could be brought to a regular process...”

Contents

Part I. Containing remarks on its general correspondence with the peculiarities of the Venetian school -- Part II. Supplementary details, explanatory of the process: with miscellaneous observations on the arts of the sixteenth century.