A series of essays surveys the origins, techniques, and historical development of painting, tracing artistic remains from ancient civilizations through Greco-Roman and Italian traditions. It combines archaeological and literary evidence to discuss early materials and pigments, hieroglyphic and monumental practices, Etruscan and Roman legacies, and successive Greek schools and masters. The author proposes a practical classification of subjects, reflects on teaching and criticism, and offers guidance for both artists and informed admirers, balancing technical detail with broader aesthetic and moral reflections.