Published in 1785, this book is Cirilo Volkmar Machado's proposal for a new painting academy in Lisbon. It's not a story with characters in the traditional sense. Instead, the 'plot' is his argument. Portugal's old art academy was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. Machado, a painter and architect himself, writes this detailed plan to build a better one from the ground up.

The Story

Think of it as a very passionate business plan for an art school. Machado walks you through everything. He explains what subjects students should study (history, anatomy, geometry), how the classes should be structured, and even what kind of paintings they should copy to learn. He argues for a focus on grand historical and religious scenes—the big, important art of the time. The whole book is his vision for training artists who could restore Portugal's cultural prestige.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was the sheer practicality of it. This isn't just lofty theory. You can feel Machado's frustration with the old ways and his excitement for a fresh start. He’s building the curriculum he wished he had. Reading his lists of recommended masterpieces is like seeing the foundation of an entire artistic movement being laid, brick by brick. It’s a quiet, determined book about rebuilding beauty.

Final Verdict

This is a niche but rewarding read. It’s perfect for history buffs, art students, or anyone curious about how creative institutions are born. You won't get drama or plot twists, but you will get a direct line to the mind of an 18th-century artist-educator. If you've ever wondered about the 'why' behind the art in old churches and palaces, Machado’s academy plan provides some of the answers.