What influential text did Alberti write that provided rules for drawing three-dimensional scenes?

The influential text written by Leon Battista Alberti that provided rules for drawing three-dimensional scenes is "On Painting." In this work, Alberti laid out important principles of perspective and composition, fundamentally shaping the practice of painting during the Renaissance. He introduced the concept of a "picture plane," helping artists understand how to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface. His insights on linear perspective and the organization of space were groundbreaking at the time and became essential guidelines for artists aiming to represent three-dimensionality.

The other texts listed do not primarily focus on the foundations of drawing or perspective in the same way. For instance, "On Architecture" discusses architectural theory and practice, while "De Rerum Natura," by Lucretius, is a philosophical poem concerned with nature rather than artistic principles. "The Craft of Art" does not pertain specifically to drawing and perspective rules in the context of Alberti's contributions. Through “On Painting,” Alberti significantly influenced the development of Renaissance art techniques, making it a cornerstone text in art history.