Alberti Book 3
Reading Response #3: Alberti on Painting
Alberti outlined three rules of vision in Book One that he believed painters should utilize in creating artwork. Those three rules were: the central vanishing point (53), the viewing distance (53), and transversals (53). The central vanishing point is a point in the picture that is opposite the viewer’s eye. Alberti explained in the central vanishing point, the lines run perpendicular in the artwork, creating a triangular shaped view (54). He defined the second rule of vision as the viewing distance which is the distance between the person viewing the artwork and the artwork itself. He believed to fully appreciate the artwork, there is a certain distance the viewer should stand while viewing the artwork.
In Book Two, Alberti identifies the three parts of the painting as circumscription, composition and reflection of lights. The first part, circumscription, is described as “the edge with a line (60)” or a thin line called an outline or border that surrounds the painting. The second part of the painting involves composition or when many services viewed as fitting together (60).” He states it is where a grid is drawn and the artist sits on one side and can peer through the grid and create an image. Composition gives the artwork emotions and movement 65), which included seven …show more content…
He believed the successful artist should be educated in liberal arts, but also in mathematics but geometry (70). In addition, extensive knowledge in literature and poetry (67) and the understanding and appreciation of the elements of nature that surround the artist contributes to a successful artist. Alberti also advised the artist to paint not just beautiful things around them, but also those things that are not beautiful. In addition to these factors, he also felt an artist must be diligent regarding their artwork. These factors he felt were critical to create a successful
Alberti outlined three rules of vision in Book One that he believed painters should utilize in creating artwork. Those three rules were: the central vanishing point (53), the viewing distance (53), and transversals (53). The central vanishing point is a point in the picture that is opposite the viewer’s eye. Alberti explained in the central vanishing point, the lines run perpendicular in the artwork, creating a triangular shaped view (54). He defined the second rule of vision as the viewing distance which is the distance between the person viewing the artwork and the artwork itself. He believed to fully appreciate the artwork, there is a certain distance the viewer should stand while viewing the artwork.
In Book Two, Alberti identifies the three parts of the painting as circumscription, composition and reflection of lights. The first part, circumscription, is described as “the edge with a line (60)” or a thin line called an outline or border that surrounds the painting. The second part of the painting involves composition or when many services viewed as fitting together (60).” He states it is where a grid is drawn and the artist sits on one side and can peer through the grid and create an image. Composition gives the artwork emotions and movement 65), which included seven …show more content…
He believed the successful artist should be educated in liberal arts, but also in mathematics but geometry (70). In addition, extensive knowledge in literature and poetry (67) and the understanding and appreciation of the elements of nature that surround the artist contributes to a successful artist. Alberti also advised the artist to paint not just beautiful things around them, but also those things that are not beautiful. In addition to these factors, he also felt an artist must be diligent regarding their artwork. These factors he felt were critical to create a successful