Hieroglyphic or Greek Method of Life Drawing

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Hieroglyphic or Greek Method of Life Drawing
Published in 1916.

The Hieroglyphic (or Greek) System of Life Drawing seems to me to be an entirely novel departure, for I have never elsewhere read nor seen, nor heard any of the theories which it advances. Its claims, however, are not entirely based upon its originality. My object is to interest and inspire, not to appear absurdly erudite..."
A. A. BRAUN. December, 1916
From the essay by A. A. Braun.
Life Drawing ought to be cultivated for its human element, for through the agency of sight it allows us to dwell upon things most akin to ourselves. Sight is one of our busiest senses, the one through which we enjoy life under the greatest variety of aspects: it brings us into relation with the outer world, with our next of kin, with those we love and with ourselves, and drawing gives us supreme means of enjoying these delights. Even if it had no other purpose, drawing by this one reason ha its most frequent plea, its supreme excuse. By drawing that which God has created, and understanding that which we draw, we become more intimately acquainted with God's wonderful and purposeful work, and our artistic performance resolves itself into a silent worship of the Almighty.
...There is another reason why the Hieroglypic method of pure outline was selcted. It seems that the science of drawing should be to a great extent be one of perfection of line. By adding shading we may show more technical knowledge. or on the other hand conceal ignorance under the uncertainties of tone. With pure line we cannot but be honest and true. Line also requires the selection of essentials by which alone truly superior and artistic work can be produced...The progress made during the last fifty years in the arts of reproduction has blinded us to this, and artists ought to revert more frequently to the exquisiteness of fine, pure draughtmanship, by the simple though difficult method of pure outline.