A Treatise on Painting
by Leonardo da Vinci, translated by John Francis Rigaud
Of the Variety of Figures in History Painting
4006213A Treatise on Painting — Of the Variety of Figures in History PaintingJohn Francis RigaudLeonardo da Vinci

Chap. CXXXVI.Of the Variety of Figures in History Painting.

History painting must exhibit variety in its fullest extent. In temper, size, complexion, actions, plumpness, leanness, thick, thin, large, small, rough, smooth, old age and youth, strong and muscular, weak, with little appearance of muscles, cheerfulness and melancholy. Some should be with curled hair, and some with straight; some short, some long, some quick in their motions, and some slow, with a variety of dresses and colours, according as the subject may require.