The publication represents an adapted abridged translation and commentary on the text of the classic textbook on the linear landscape composition, authored by N. E. Green, one of the leading English art teachers of the 19th century (1823-1899). N. E. Green examines numerous aspects of the linear landscape composition, including difficulties in choosing a landscape motive, a befitting angle, ways of conveying the depth of space, methods of vignetting and condensation, complications of professional work with lines, arrangement of figures in a landscape. The commentary of D. V. Fomicheva, supplementing the recommendations of N. E. Green, invokes a wide range of most popular selfnstruction manuals for artists of the 19th century, repeatedly published in England, France, Germany and Russia. These materials confirm the existence of a deeply developed theoretical base with regard to painting composition in the classical European art tradition. Modern artists’ knowledge of the classical theory of linear landscape composition gives the key to understanding the general principles of the 19th century painting, as identical laws of composition applied to all of its genres. Moreover, these materials provide an insight into the previous schools of painting and allow one to reconstruct many of the forgotten valuable elements of classical teaching methods.