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First French Translation of 1591 Philosophical Dialogue on Painting's Purpose Published

publication · 2026-04-23

The philosophical dialogue 'Figino ou de la finalité de la peinture,' originally published in 1591 by theologian Gregorio Comanini, has received its first French translation. This work, which examines the fundamental purpose or 'end' of painting, was translated by Marie-France Courriol. The translation appears in the February 2015 issue (n°419) of the magazine artpress on page 80. Comanini's text is presented as a dialogue that interrogates painting's ultimate aims. The publication marks a significant moment for French-language scholarship, providing access to this historical Italian treatise on art theory.

Key facts

  • The philosophical dialogue 'Figino ou de la finalité de la peinture' was first published in 1591.
  • The author is theologian Gregorio Comanini.
  • The work has been translated into French for the first time.
  • The translator is Marie-France Courriol.
  • The translation was published in artpress issue n°419 in February 2015.
  • The text appears on page 80 of that issue.
  • The dialogue explores the question of painting's 'end' or purpose.
  • The source URL is https://www.artpress.com/2015/02/01/gregorio-comanini-figino-ou-de-la-finalite-de-la-peinture-hermann.

Entities

Artists

  • Gregorio Comanini
  • Marie-France Courriol

Institutions

  • artpress
  • Hermann

Sources