A Treatise on Painting
by Leonardo da Vinci, translated by John Francis Rigaud
In what Part the Reflexes have more or less Brightness
4010519A Treatise on Painting — In what Part the Reflexes have more or less BrightnessJohn Francis RigaudLeonardo da Vinci

Chap. CCXV.In what Part the Reflexes have more or less Brightness.

The reflected lights will be more or less apparent or bright, in proportion as they are seen against a darker or fainter ground; because if the ground be darker than the reflex, then this reflex will appear stronger on account of the great difference of colour. But, on the contrary, if this reflexion has behind it a ground lighter than itself, it will appear dark, in comparison to the brightness which is close to it, and therefore it will be hardly perceptible[1].