Traité élémentaire de la peinture,
 avec 58 figures d'après les dessins originaux de Le Poussin, dont 34 en taille-douce

by da Vinci Leonardo

"Traité élémentaire de la peinture" by Leonardo da Vinci is a treatise compiled after his death from his notes and fragments. This composite work reorganizes Leonardo's writings on painting into theoretical and practical sections. It explores painting as a philosophical science, emphasizing observation of nature through mathematical, geometric, and optical principles. Leonardo argues that painting deserves recognition among the liberal arts because it applies logic and universal visual communication. The treatise offers both foundational theories and practical guidance for aspiring painters.