Alberti's Treatise

Leon Battista Alberti's Treatise, formally known as "De pictura" (On Painting), is a foundational text in Renaissance art that outlines principles of perspective and composition. Written in 1435, it emphasizes the importance of mathematical ratios and the study of light and shadow to create realistic images. Alberti introduces linear perspective, explaining how to depict three-dimensional space on a flat surface. His work highlights the relationship between the artist and viewer, advocating for a systematic approach to painting that blends art and science, influencing generations of artists and shaping modern visual representation.