Why the eye is least deceived of the senses; in praise of painting
The pyramid of vision, and painting as daughter of nature
A continuous text page of the Paragone opening two chapters. The first argues that the eye, seeing by straight lines that form the pyramid of vision, is deceived less than hearing, smell, taste, or touch. The second declares that whoever despises painting despises nature and philosophy, since painting alone imitates all the evident works of nature and is her legitimate daughter, or rather granddaughter. Faint offset text shows through from the facing leaf.
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The eye least deceived of the senses
At the proper distances and in the proper media the eye is deceived less in its office than any other sense, because it sees only by straight lines that compose a pyramid whose base is the object. The ear, by contrast, is strongly deceived as to place and distance because sounds reach it by twisting and reflected lines, so remote things often seem nearer than near ones. Smell is even less certain of its source, while taste and touch know only what they touch.
To despise painting is to despise nature and philosophy
Painting alone imitates all the evident works of nature, and with philosophical speculation considers every quality of forms: settings, plants, animals, grasses, and flowers girded with shadow and light. It is therefore a science and the legitimate daughter of nature. More correctly it should be called nature's granddaughter, since all evident things are first brought forth by nature.