The artist’s private life and choice of company (493-494).

493.

OF THE LIFE OF THE PAINTER IN THE COUNTRY.

A painter needs such mathematics as belong to painting.  And the absence of all companions who are alienated from his studies; his brain must be easily impressed by the variety of objects, which successively come before him, and also free from other cares [Footnote 6:  Leonardo here seems to be speaking of his own method of work as displayed in his MSS. and this passage explains, at least in part, the peculiarities in their arrangement.].  And if, when considering and defining one subject, a second subject intervenes—­as happens when an object occupies the mind, then he must decide which of these cases is the more difficult to work out, and follow that up until it becomes quite clear, and then work out the explanation of the other [Footnote 11:  Leonardo here seems to be speaking of his own method of work as displayed in his MSS. and this passage explains, at least in part, the peculiarities in their arrangement.].  And above all he must keep his mind as clear as the surface of a mirror, which assumes colours as various as those of the different objects.  And his companions should be like him as to their studies, and if such cannot be found he should keep his speculations to himself alone, so that at last he will find no more useful company [than his own].

[Footnote:  In the title line Leonardo had originally written del pictore filosofo (the philosophical painter), but he himself struck out_filosofo_.  Compare in No. 363 pictora notomista (anatomical painter).  The original text is partly reproduced on Pl.  CI.]

494.

OF THE LIFE OF THE PAINTER IN HIS STUDIO.

To the end that well-being of the body may not injure that of the mind, the painter or draughtsman must remain solitary, and particularly when intent on those studies and reflections which will constantly rise up before his eye, giving materials to be well stored in the memory.  While you are alone you are entirely your own [master] and if you have one companion you are but half your own, and the less so in proportion to the indiscretion of his behaviour.  And if you have many companions you will fall deeper into the same trouble.  If you should say:  “I will go my own way and withdraw apart, the better to study the forms of natural objects”, I tell you, you will not be able to help often listening to their chatter.  And so, since one cannot serve two masters, you will badly fill the part of a companion, and carry out your studies of art even worse.  And if you say:  “I will withdraw so far that their words cannot reach me and they cannot disturb me”, I can tell you that you will be thought mad.  But, you see, you will at any rate be alone.  And if you must have companions ship find it in your studio.  This may assist you to have the advantages which arise from various speculations.  All other company may be highly mischievous.