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The Essay
Printing Technology and the Role of Illustration America's Introduction to Aesthetics Architectural Advice Books: The A.J.s Architectural Advice Books: Other Writers Art Instruction and Leisure Pursuit Manuals |
Art Instruction and Leisure Pursuit Manuals
During the mid-19th century, the title list of instructional manuals in the applied arts grew by leaps and bounds. Creators of painting and graining manuals, in particular, exploited recently developed illustrative capabilities to attract a readership. The subject matter covered in these volumes included the imitation of marble and woods, various historical styles of interior decoration; drawing and perspective; furniture, window shade, and sign painting; and sometimes the production of stained glass. In the most expensive volumes, professional painters created full-page samples, allowing students to refer to expert examples of faux finishes.
On a parallel track, the softening of religious attitudes towards relaxation and play, along with greater access to art supplies and instruction manuals, encouraged the upper and middle classes to pursue hobbies and other recreational pastimes. Early arts and crafts manuals arose to meet the needs of serious amateurs.
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