Aglionby, William

Earlier British writer, authored a history of art and artists' biography, 1685. Aglionby traveled the continent and recorded his recollections on art, among other topics. In 1685, Aglionby published his Painting Illustrated in Three Dialogues based heavily on the Vite de' pittori, scultori ed architetti moderni by Giovanni Pietro Bellori published in 1672. Aglionby, noted that in the Netherlands, paintings were common everywhere, even in the homes of tradesmen. He lamented England's failure to produce "an Historical Painter, Native of our own Soyl". He was the earliest English writer to describe free, vigorous and natural execution in painting Picturesque, which he noted the Italians call, "a la pittoresk'".