Les indications chromatiques dans le De Pictura et le Della Pittura d’Alberti

Abstract

The De Pictura (written in 1435) and its adaptation in Italian (Della Pittura, 1436) contain indications on the proper use of colours, which require a thorough reexamination. First, the terminology permits to see the relationships and the divergences between Alberti and the Latin tradition. Second, Alberti’s text contributed to the fundamental innovations in the romano-toscan painting, notably in Piero della Francesca’s work. The discussion mainly focuses on the use of ochre, blue and green, on the abandon of the golden backgrounds and the use of values. The author insists on the new relationships established in the painting between the decoration of architecture and the costumes of the figures. The integration of speckled marble is striking in the M adonna said «Tarquinia » by Philippo Lippi (1437). The analysis of polychrome marbles in several other examples shows that a chromatic intensity is given to the decoration, contrasting with the monochrome draperies of the costumes (Piero della Francesca, Retable of Perugia). The influence of Alberti’s text as far as colours are concerned must then be considered as a positive one.