Books about drawing technique and composition.
Le due regole della prospettiva pratica di M. Iacomo Barozzi da Vignola. Con i comentarij del R. P. M. Egnatio Danti dell’ ordine de Predicatori Matematico dello Studio di Bologna.In Roma: Per Francesco Zannettj, 1583.
Polygraphice: or, the arts of drawing, engraving, etching, limning, painting, vernishing, japaning, gilding, &c. The eighth edition. Enlarged, with above five hundred considerable additions throi’ the whole work, and the addition of almost five whole books, not in any of the former impressions: adorned with XXV copper sculptures, the like never yet extant. By William Salmon, M. D. London, Printed for A. and J. Churchill and J. Nicholson, 1701. —Also includes the principles of alchemy and the philosopher’s stone, so you get a good deal for your money. Two volumes, both included in this scan. The running title is “Polygraphices.”
Les principes du dessein; ou, Methode courte et facile pour aprendre cet art en peu de tems. Par Monsieur Gerard de Lairesse. A Amsterdam et A Leipzig, Chez Arkstée et Merkus. 1746. —After a few lessons, the bulk of the book consists of fine old engravings to serve as models, including a number designed by Abraham Bloemaert and engraved by Willem Swanenburg (like the cut above).