Visual Materials
Two drawing books entitled American Text Books of Art Education: Intermediate Course, Numbers One and Three, by Walter Smith, published by L. Prang & Company, Boston, 1875. Each book contains 20 numbered pages, and numbered exercises. Each exercise consists of very brief instructional text, an image, and space for copying. In Book One, many of the exercises focus on patterns, shapes and designs made from lines and shapes. Book Three focuses more on replication of forms, such as vases, drinking glasses and solids. Some of the exercises in the books have been completed by previous owners. The front covers of each bear the decorative symbol often used on the front covers of Smith instructional books. The inside front cover of Book One contains definitions of terms used throughout the book. The inside back cover gives general directions for the student and teacher, and lists the "principles of design illustrated" in the book. On the back cover is a descriptive outline of the Smith drawing course for the four levels of schools. The inside of the front cover of Book Three contains general use directions and illustrated definitions of "geometrical solids defined and described." On the inside of the back cover are: "Elementary principles to be taught and observed in model and object drawing: freehand." The back cover contains the same outline of the Smith system for the public schools as Book One. "Lutie Tompkins" is written in ms., in ink, along the top of the front cover of Book One. "McDonald" is written in ms., in ink, on the front cover of Book Three.
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