It is also consonant to reason, that the greatest part of those bodies which are under a light, which is extended, and distributed equally through all, should participate of each others colours. The Venetian school having a great regard for that maxim, (which the ancients called the breaking of colours,) in the quantity of figures, with which {340.} they fill their pictures, have always endeavoured the union of colours; for fear, that being too different, they should come to encumber the sight: “therefore they painted each figure with one colour, {345.} or with colours of near affinity, though the habit were of different kinds, distinguishing the upper garment from the under, or from the loose and flowing mantle, by the tints, or degrees, harmonizing and uniting the colours, with whatever was next to them.” [Sidenote: XXXVII. On the interposition of air.] The less aërial space which there is betwixt us {350.} and the object, and the more pure the air is, by so much the more the species are preserved and distinguished; and, on the contrary, the more space of air there is, and the less pure it is, so much the more the object is confused and embroiled. [Sidenote: XXXVIII. The relation of distances.] Those objects which are placed foremost to the view, ought always to be more finished, than those which are cast behind; and ought to have dominion over those things which are confused and transient. [*†355.] But let this be done relatively, viz. one {355.} thing greater and stronger, casting the less behind, and rendering it less sensible by its opposition. [Sidenote: XXXIX. Of bodies which are distanced.] Those things which are removed to a distant view, though they are many, yet ought to make but one mass; as for example, the leaves on the trees, and the billows in the sea. [Sidenote: XL. Of bodies which are contiguous, and of those which are separated.] Let not the objects which ought to be contiguous {360.} be separated; and let those which ought to be separated, be apparently so to us; but let this be done by a small and pleasing difference. [Sidenote: XLI. Contrary extremities to be avoided.] [*†361.] Let two contrary extremities never touch each other, either in colour or in light; but let there always be a medium partaking both of the one and of the other. [Sidenote: XLII. Diversity of tints and colours.] Let the bodies every where be of different tints and colours; that those which are behind may be tied in friendship together; and that those which are foremost may be strong and lively. [Sidenote: XLIII. The choice of light.]