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LDE ENGL1721


A Treatise on Painting, by Leonardo da Vinci
1721
Senex and Taylor, London


Chapter

LDE T0177   CID88  Of the Shortnings of Figures

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When a Painter has only a single Figure to represent in a Piece, he should avoid all Shortenings, both of particular Members, and of the whole Body; since otherwise he will be every Minute exposed to the impertinent Questions of such as are unacquainted with his Art; But in large Compositions, where a great Number of Figures are found, he may use his Freedom; and especially in Battles; where there must of necessity appear an infinite variety of Motions, and Contortions, in the Figures engaged in a Scene so full of Horror and Confusion.