Sir Joshua Reynolds' Discourses: Edited, with an Introduction, by Helen Zimmern

Published in 1797, 'Discourses' by Sir Joshua Reynolds is a collection of influential lectures on art that reflect the principles of painting and artistic education in the late 18th century. Reynolds discusses the establishment of the Royal Academy in England, emphasizing the importance of structured institutions for fostering artistic talent. Key topics include the role of imitation, the study of great masters, and the discipline required for artistic excellence. This work is considered fundamental for understanding 18th-century English painting and remains a critical text for art students and historians alike.