Introduction: Early Thoughts by Cennini, Alberti and Chevreul

Contemporary English translation of the craftsman's guide from Cennino Cennini (Libro dell'arte) - a paper that marks the transformation between the medieval and Renaissance art concepts

For centuries, artists used the "scientific" understanding of vision and painting to enhance their art.

Over the years there have been many papers on the practice of painting dates, theoretical and philosophical issues, and the concept of using colors. The first important craftsman handbook was written by Tuscan painter Cennino Cennini (about 1370-1440) around 1390. Cennini clearly explains how to use, preparation method, availability, etc. of various pigments. The craftsman's guide is a very valuable guide to help us understand the early picture

In 1435 and 1436 important papers were written by scholars, architects and writers Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472). Alberti is not very interested in color, but he wrote about the combined color value, that is, the concept that one color can emphasize each other when arranged. He also discussed the psychological impact of color on viewers. These ideas form part of the visual science, will be explored by later writers and artists and will be discussed on the next page.

In 1839, French chemist Michel Chevleur (1786-1889) put the color interaction theory on the complete experimental basis for the first time. His De la Loi du Contraste Simultané des Couleurs introduced a theory that led to a new usage of color. In the 19th century the Industrial Revolution was also witnessed. The Industrial Revolution has provided a new technology such as synthetic pigment and strengthened the artist's palette. The new scientific worldview is trying to describe experience in scientific terms including art, light, color, and vision

This paper contains an analysis of all the techniques and painting theory known at the time, which is beyond medieval works like the art book of Cennino Cennini (1390). De pictura also includes the initial explanation of linear geometric perspective around 1416; Alberti attributed this discovery to Brunelleschi and devoted him the 1435 version. Alberti considers a large number of historical paintings to be the most sublime art. That is because it is the most difficult and needs to master all other forms. He emphasizes the ability to describe the interaction between characters through gestures and expressions.

Leon Battista Alberti born in 1404 is an illegal child in a very wealthy family in Florence, Italy. In the beginning of the 15th century, Florence has grown as the center of the Renaissance. Alberti has played an important role in this movement. He is well educated in art, philosophy, science and law and received his JD at Bologna University at the age of 24. Later he became a famous theorist later. His diverse project, his education and refinement, and his commitment to art, made him the first "universal character" in the Renaissance. He set a precedent for the next two centuries. Alberti worked in the early Renaissance era, inspired by ancient Romans and architect Filippo Brunelleschi.