Do Not Finish the Details of Distant Objects
Rounded bodies separate from their fields by shadow; remote outlines cannot truly be seen
This leaf argues that spherical, oval and faceted bodies always detach from their fields even when identically coloured, because their sides generate shadow, which flat surfaces cannot do. Leonardo then states that the smaller a body's part, the sooner it is lost to the eye with distance, so the painter should not finish the tiny members of very remote things. He rebukes those who render the outlines of distant buildings as sharply as if near, since no sight can truly see such contours at a distance — outlines being mere lines, no part of a surface's quantity nor of the air that clothes it.
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Do not finish the small parts of remote objects
Of the parts of bodies that recede from the eye, the smallest is first lost to notice, so the painter must not finish the little members of things very remote. Leonardo rebukes those who make the outlines of distant buildings as distinct as if close at hand, which is impossible in nature. No sight, however powerful, can see such outlines with true notice at that distance.
Rounded and faceted bodies separate from their fields by shadow
Spherical, oval and faceted bodies always appear separated from their fields, even when of the same colour as the field. This happens because they are disposed to generate shadow from some of their sides, which cannot occur on flat surfaces. The outlines of these bodies are only lines, no part of the quantity of their surfaces.