The text discusses the essential role of shadows and light in achieving the highest quality of a drawing, akin to nature. It outlines rules for applying shadows, suggesting a gradual approach to achieve different degrees of shading. The method aims to enhance practical drawing skills, focusing initially on shadow and light before addressing other aspects like shapes.
On Shadow and Light.
Shadows and light essentially give life to a drawing, and it achieves its utmost perfection through them. The better this is executed, the closer a drawing comes to nature. Therefore, I provide the following rules, which, in my opinion, should suffice for anyone wishing to perform this important task satisfactorily.
When a drawing is designed according to its rules and fully outlined, particularly in the parts that should be most distinctly differentiated; for example, in a figure: the head, hands, and feet. These observations comprise the main elements of a beautiful drawing. It is important not to make shadows with their full intensity from the start, but gradually reach the desired intensity. Three degrees of shading must be observed: the first is simple and gentle; the second, somewhat stronger; and the third, the strongest. From the first, observe that shadows begin at the places where they start.
... words that no one will easily dispute, so I move to the work itself to elucidate what is required for the necessary theory. My method entails providing clear principles and rules, facilitating practice and allowing skill in drawing to be attained more readily. At present, I have two concerns: how shadow and light are to be addressed, and, second, how shapes or paintings are to be treated. First, I will address the former.