Page:Biographical catalogue of the principal Italian painters.djvu/10



to present to the public this little Biographical Catalogue of the principal Italian painters, in the hope that it will be found useful as a companion to the picture galleries of Italy.

My aim has been merely to give a short sketch, compiled from various authors, of the life and works of each artist, confining myself to the leading characteristics which distinguish them, and to the enumeration of their principal works.

To Mr. Wornum, who has kindly undertaken the task of editing the work, I am under great obligations. His extensive knowledge on subjects connected with art, aided by the possession of a large collection of the more recent works in art literature, has enabled him not only to correct errors, but to supply much new and valuable information.

A Tabular view of the Schools of Italian Painting will be found attached to the work, containing the names of those painters who have most influenced or contributed to the progress or vicissitudes of art. This Table has been constructed with care with reference to the different Schools. I trust that it will not only serve as an assistance to the memory, but that the synoptical view it presents will enable the reader to trace the growth and decline of art at particular periods, and be suggestive of many interesting deductions.

Should the information which the book contains induce any one to seek from deeper sources further knowledge on this engrossing and elevating subject, I shall feel that my reward greatly exceeds my deserts. And should it meet with the approval of the public, I shall hope to proceed with a Catalogue of the artists of other countries.