A Treatise on Painting
by Leonardo da Vinci, translated by John Francis Rigaud
How the Folds of Draperies ought to be represented, Plate XVIII
4006847A Treatise on Painting — How the Folds of Draperies ought to be represented, Plate XVIIIJohn Francis RigaudLeonardo da Vinci

Chap. CXLV.How the Folds of Draperies ought to be represented, Plate XVIII.

That part of the drapery, which is the farthest from the place where it is gathered, will appear more approaching its natural state. Every thing naturally inclines to preserve its primitive form. Therefore a stuff or cloth, which is of equal thickness on both sides, will always incline to remain flat. For that reason, when it is constrained by some fold to relinquish its flat situation, it is observed that, at the part of its greatest restraint, it is continually making efforts to return to its natural shape; and the parts most distant from it reassume more of their primitive state by ample and distended folds. For example, let A B C be the drapery mentioned above; A B the place where it is folded or restrained. I have said that the part, which is farthest from the place of its restraint, would return more towards its primitive shape. Therefore C being the farthest, will be broader and more extended than any other part.



Plate 18.
Chap. 145.
Page 68.


London. Published by J. Taylor High Holborn.

Plate 19.
Chap. 147.
Page 69.


London. Published by J. Taylor High Holborn.