Discover the artistic wisdom of the ultimate Renaissance mind in ‘A Treatise on Painting’ by Leonardo da Vinci and read the complete work online for free.
A Treatise on Painting (Trattato della Pittura) is not a book Leonardo da Vinci published in his lifetime, but a posthumous compilation of his notes and writings on the theory and practice of art, assembled by his pupil Francesco Melzi. First published in 1651, it is the closest we have to Leonardo’s intended textbook for painters. The treatise distills his revolutionary approach, which viewed painting not as a mere craft but as a scientific discipline—the “divine science” that reproduces “all the works of nature.”
The book covers a vast range of topics: the philosophical primacy of sight (“The eye… is the window of the human body”), the importance of anatomy and proportion, the study of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), perspective, the depiction of emotion, the representation of nature (trees, clouds, water), and even advice on the painter’s lifestyle and studio. Leonardo’s central argument is that the painter must be a universal student: “He who despises painting loves neither philosophy nor nature.” To paint a human, you must understand bones and muscles; to paint a landscape, you must understand geology and botany.
This treatise is the foundational text of High Renaissance art theory. It moved painting from the medieval status of a manual skill to an intellectual, liberal art. While some of the scientific details are outdated, the core principles—close observation of nature, the fusion of art and science, the pursuit of ideal beauty through empirical study—remain powerfully influential. To read it is to peer directly into the mind of a genius and understand the rigorous thought behind the beauty of the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
On this page, you can study with the master. We offer a classic English translation of the complete treatise for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | A Treatise on Painting |
| Author | Leonardo da Vinci (compiled by Francesco Melzi) |
| Year of Publication | 1651 (compiled from notebooks c. 1490-1519) |
| Genre | Art Theory, Philosophy, How-To |
| Language | English (Translation from Italian) |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read A Treatise on Painting Online
Learn the principles of art from a universal genius. Begin exploring Leonardo’s notes by reading the opening chapters interactively below.
This preview introduces Leonardo’s philosophy of painting, but the full, detailed compilation of his notes on light, shadow, anatomy, and composition is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
A subscription unlocks this seminal art theory text and our library of classic works on creativity and technique. Learn to see the world as Leonardo did.
About A Treatise on Painting
The treatise’s value is both practical and philosophical. It is a guide for the hand and the eye, rooted in a profound worldview.
Painting as a Science
Leonardo’s most revolutionary idea was that painting is based on mathematical and scientific principles. He applied optics (the science of light), geometry (perspective), and anatomy to art. He insisted that shadows obey laws, that proportions can be calculated, and that the painter must understand the cause of things to depict their effect accurately.
The Paramount Importance of Observation
The recurring command is: go look at nature. “The painter who draws by practice and judgment of the eye without the use of reason is like a mirror…” He advises studying how light falls on a face at different times of day, how water swirls around an obstacle, how leaves are arranged on a branch. This relentless empiricism was a radical break from the more symbolic, formulaic art of the previous era.
Practical Advice for Artists
The book is filled with actionable instructions:
- On Composition: How to arrange figures in a history painting for drama and clarity.
- On Light: How to model forms with chiaroscuro to create volume.
- On Color: The properties of colors in light and shadow.
- On Drapery: How to draw folds in fabric so they appear natural.
- On Expression: How to depict the passions of the soul through facial expression and gesture.
The Paragone: The Comparison of the Arts
A famous section argues for the superiority of painting over poetry, music, and sculpture. Leonardo claims painting is supreme because it directly reproduces the visible world, the highest creation of God, and does so with more immediacy and permanence than the other arts. This debate (paragone) was a key intellectual pursuit of the Renaissance.
Why Read A Treatise on Painting Today?
For artists, it remains a source of timeless wisdom. Its emphasis on drawing from life, understanding anatomy, and studying light is the bedrock of classical art training. For non-artists, it is a thrilling journey into the mind of the Renaissance—a period where art, science, and philosophy were inseparable.
It teaches a mode of seeing. To read Leonardo’s Treatise is to be taught to look at the world with intense curiosity and analytical precision, to appreciate the profound intelligence that underlies great art, and to understand why Leonardo da Vinci remains the archetype of the creative genius.
FAQ
Can I read A Treatise on Painting for free?
Yes, you can read the introductory chapters for free via our interactive preview. Access to the complete compiled treatise requires a subscription.
Did Leonardo write this as a single book?
No. It was compiled after his death from thousands of pages of scattered notes (his famous notebooks) by his heir, Francesco Melzi. The organization is Melzi’s, but the words and ideas are Leonardo’s.
Is the science in it accurate?
The anatomical observations were groundbreaking for their time, though not always perfect. The optical and geometric principles are sound and formed the basis of academic art training for centuries.
Is it useful for modern artists?
Absolutely. The core principles of observation, composition, and the study of light and anatomy are universal and timeless. It is especially valuable for realist and figurative artists.
Can I read it on my phone?
Yes, though its technical descriptions and detailed advice may be best absorbed in small, studied portions. The aphoristic nature of many sections works well on a mobile device.