4010406A Treatise on Painting — A PreceptJohn Francis RigaudLeonardo da Vinci

CONTRASTE AND EFFECT.

Chap. CCVII.A Precept.

Figures will have more grace, placed in the open and general light, than in any particular or small one; because the powerful and extended light will surround and embrace the objects: and works done in that kind of light appear pleasant and graceful when placed at a distance[1], while those which are drawn in a narrow light, will receive great force of shadow, but will never appear at a great distance, but as painted objects.