Impact of the derivative shadow and the best-lit surface
Distant objects look lighter and smaller; a cast shadow ringed by mixed light
Two elaborate diagrams trace luminous and shadowy bodies with their large derivative shadows across densely lettered constructions. Leonardo states that the impact of a derivative shadow is always surrounded by a shadow mixed with the illuminated field, and that the part of a shadowy body struck by the thicker luminous angle is the most brightly lit of all. An opening line adds a rule of appearance: among things of equal size and colour, the more distant one looks lighter and of smaller figure. The leaf joins the study of shadow to the perspective of how objects fade with distance.
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The cast shadow is ringed by mixed shadow
The impact of the derivative shadow is always surrounded by a shadow mixed with the illuminated field. The upper diagram maps this border across its many lettered points from a e c g b outward.
The most brightly lit part faces the thicker luminous angle
That part of the shadowy body which is struck by the thicker luminous angle will be more illuminated than any other part.
Distant objects appear lighter and smaller
Among things of equal size and colour, the one that is farther off will appear lighter and of smaller figure.