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.

VII * X
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,
555
The distribution of light and shade.
556,
557,
558,
559
The juxtaposition of light and shade.
560,
561
On the lighting of the background.
562,
563,
564,
565
On the lighting of white objects.
566
The methods of aerial.
567,
568,
569,
570
Of sketching figures and portraits.
571,
572
The position of the head.
573
Of the light on the face.
574,
575,
576
General suggestions for historical pictures.
577,
578,
579,
580,
581
How to represent the differences of age and sex.
582,
583
Of representing the emotions.
584
Of representing imaginary animals.
585
The selection of forms.
586,
587,
588,
589
. . .