Able Quote by Leonardo da Vinci
“When you are painting you should take a flat mirror and often look at your work within it, and it will then be seen in reverse, and will appear to be by the hand of some other master, and you will be better able to judge of its faults than in any other way.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Treat notebooks, c. 1500s
Using a mirror reveals hidden flaws, improving artistic judgment.
In simple terms: Mirror shows reverse view, exposing errors.
Key Takeaway
Use reflection to refine work.
Themes
artistic practice
self‑critique
perception
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
creative
inspirational
When to use this quote
- painting
- drawing
- design reviews
Key Concepts
visual analysis
feedback loops
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing yourself change perception?
- What flaws become visible with a mirror?
A Different Perspective
May be time‑consuming and unsettling.
