569

The methods of aerial.

Whenever a figure is placed at a considerable distance you lose first the distinctness of the smallest parts; while the larger parts are left to the last, losing all distinctness of detail and outline; and what remains is an oval or spherical figure with confused edges.

Taken from The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci edited by Jean Paul Richter, 1880.

Notebooks of Leonoardo da Vinci

VIII: Botany for Painters and Elements of Landscape Painting.

. . .

On the choice of light for a picture.

549,

550,

551,

552,

553,

554,

The distribution of light and shade.

556,

557,

558,

The juxtaposition of light and shade.

560,

On the lighting of the background.

562,

563,

564,

On the lighting of white objects.

The methods of aerial.

567,

568,

569,

Of sketching figures and portraits.

571,

The position of the head.

Of the light on the face.

574,

575,

General suggestions for historical pictures.

577,

578,

579,

580,

How to represent the differences of age and sex.

582,

Of representing the emotions.

Of representing imaginary animals.

The selection of forms.

586,

587,

588,

. . .