FRS 123 - Technology in Art and Cultural Heritage

Fall 2006

Assignment 2

In this assignment, you will write a short (1,500-3,000 words) essay discussing Leonardo's introductory comments on color (handed out in class, p. 70-76) and their impact from two points of view:

1. from the perspective of a Renaissance painter, that is, assuming no knowledge of modern color theory
2. using what is known today about color, light, and perception

In the essay, you may address the following questions.

• Do you agree with Leonardo's definition of "simple" colors? (p. 72)
• Does it appear natural to you that "blue is compounded from light and shade" (p. 71)?
• How would you explain the complementary effects that he observes? (p. 73)
• Why do we not see colors in a very dimly illuminated room? (p. 73)
• Why does a surface that appears colored in a moderately dimly illuminated room turn colorless when viewed through an aperture from a bright room? (p. 74)
• How can you see a body "wholly in its natural color?" (p. 74)

In addition, learn more about the influence of Leonardo da Vinci's color theory and try to address the following questions in your essay.

• What influence did Leonardo's essay have on artists in his time, what influence on artists in the later centuries?
• Would you say, Leonardo's thoughts are still valuable for artists today, or would you rather recommend a scientific book on perception?

Please send your essay in an email to tweyrich@princeton.edu.