Leonardo begins with careful instructions on drawing the main features of human anatomy, and then moves on to techniques of rendering motion and perspective. He discusses aspects of good composition; inventiveness; the expression of various emotions; creating effects of light, shadow, and color; and many other subtle points of artistic form. Throughout, Leonardo stresses the importance of meticulous study of the subjects to be rendered and the need for assiduous practice.

This outstanding edition is complete with anatomical drawings by the French classicist master Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665) and geometrical illustrations by the great Italian Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472), as well as an informative biography of Leonardo and an appendix that lists the artist's manuscripts, principal paintings, and drawings.