A Treatise on Painting
by Leonardo da Vinci, translated by John Francis Rigaud
On what Surfaces the true Colour is least apparent
4011003A Treatise on Painting — On what Surfaces the true Colour is least apparentJohn Francis RigaudLeonardo da Vinci

Chap. CCXXIV.On what Surfaces the true Colour is least apparent.

Polished and glossy surfaces shew least of their genuine colour. This is exemplified in the grass of the fields, and the leaves of trees, which, being smooth and glossy, will reflect the colour of the sun, and the air, where they strike, so that the parts which receive the light do not shew their natural colour.