The Forster Notebook II

Page 69

Our vision fails
at those things
that are lost
to reason In this context, "reason" likely refers to the mathematical rules of perspective or the "ratio" (ragione) that governs how objects diminish as they recede into the distance.

The following lines are written to the right and below the central geometric diagram.

Of that which I
wish to say,
much is missing
from your sight

A geometric study in pen and ink from Codex Forster III depicts a circle with an inscribed triangle. Leonardo used such diagrams to explore proportions and the construction of regular shapes. These often served as foundations for his architectural and mechanical designs.

A faint under-drawing in red chalk shows a perspective study of a three-dimensional rectangular form. It demonstrates Leonardo's practice of reusing paper for multiple types of studies on a single sheet.

A rapid sketch in red chalk likely represents an architectural pedestal or base. This illustrates Leonardo's constant habit of visual note-taking and spatial exploration.

vision (veder), fails (mācha), reason (ragione), nature (natura), work (opera), I wish (voglio), to say (dire)