To a particularly dear lord and friend, Lord

Willibald Pirckheimer, I, Albrecht Dürer, wish health and salvation.

Favorable lord and friend, until now in our German lands, many talented young men have been set to the art of painting original: "mallerey" who have been taught without any foundation and solely through daily practice. They have thus grown up in ignorance like a wild, unpruned tree. Although some of them have attained a free hand through steady practice, so that they produce their works with power, they do so thoughtlessly and only according to their own liking.

However, when sensible painters and true artists have seen such unconsidered work, they have—and not without reason—laughed at the blindness of these people; for to a true understanding, nothing is more unpleasant to see than falsehood in a painting, regardless of whether it was painted with great diligence. The only reason that such painters took pleasure in their errors was that they had not learned the art of measurement original: "künst der messung," referring here to geometry and perspective, without which no one can be or become a proper craftsman. This was the fault of their masters, who themselves did not know such an art.

Because this is the true foundation of all painting, I have resolved to provide a beginning for all art-loving youth and to give them a reason to take up the compass and straightedge. Through this, they may recognize and see before their eyes the true truth, so that they may not only become eager for the arts, but also arrive at a proper and greater understanding.

This is despite the fact that now, in our times, the art of painting is being greatly despised by some who say it serves idolatry original: "Abgötterey". Yet every Christian human is as little drawn to a superstition by a painting or image as a pious man is drawn to a murder because he carries a weapon at his side. He would truly have to be an senseless person who would want to worship a painting, wood, or stone. Therefore, painting brings more improvement than offense, provided it is honorable, artistic, and well-made.

In what honor and dignity this art was held among the Greeks and Romans is sufficiently shown in the ancient books. Though it was subsequently lost and hidden for over a thousand years, it was only brought back to light within the last two hundred years by the Italians original: "Walhen," a term Dürer uses for Italians, who had begun the Renaissance revival of classical art and perspective. For arts are very easily lost, but only with difficulty and over a long time are they rediscovered.

Therefore, I hope that no sensible person will criticize this undertaking and instruction of mine, as it is done with good intentions and for the benefit of all who love art—and not only for painters, but also for goldsmiths, sculptors, stonemasons, carpenters, and all those who use measurement. No one is forced to use this teaching of mine; but I well know that whoever undertakes it will not only grasp a fundamental beginning from it, but through daily use will reach a greater understanding, seeking further and discovering far more than I am now showing.

Since I know, favorable lord and friend, that you are a lover of all the arts, I have dedicated this little book to you out of special affection and friendly will. It is not because I thought I was showing you something great or excellent, but so that you might understand and measure my inclined and good will toward you. Even if I cannot be particularly useful to you with my works, my spirit is nonetheless always ready to repay your favor and the love you bear for me with equal return.