Artist John Gadsby Chapman lived during the 1800’s. He acquired his artistic skills by copying old master paintings in Rome and Florence as well as attending the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Chapman’s American Drawing-Book instructed through methods of copying. Republished numerous times, his book listed motives for learning to draw: to make recognizable forms and understand visual images; for pleasure, but also as a practical endeavor; to improve American goods and compete with European manufacturers; to avoid error; to provide a means of support for dependent females and educating children; to support national good taste and art; and to assist schoolgirls in selecting needlework subjects.
In contrast to Chapman and others who taught drawing through copying, Mary Ann Dwight joined those who opposed it. Dwight believed copying resulted in superficial skills and a lack of necessary understanding of artistic principles. She emphasized the importance of thoroughly teaching the basics of drawing. Scientific principles discovered in nature, according to Dwight, would expand, ennoble, and elevate mental capacity. The possibility for economic advancement and mental refinement through drawing motivated Dwight as she recommended all teachers know how to teach drawing. What do you think? To copy or not to copy?
In contrast to Chapman and others who taught drawing through copying, Mary Ann Dwight joined those who opposed it. Dwight believed copying resulted in superficial skills and a lack of necessary understanding of artistic principles. She emphasized the importance of thoroughly teaching the basics of drawing. Scientific principles discovered in nature, according to Dwight, would expand, ennoble, and elevate mental capacity. The possibility for economic advancement and mental refinement through drawing motivated Dwight as she recommended all teachers know how to teach drawing. What do you think? To copy or not to copy?