Abstract
The chapter analyses and comments upon Plinius' famous account of the contest between the painters Apelles and Protogenes who attempt to draw or paint the thinnest line. Together with inquiring into the art of subtle and fine lines, the chapter analyses various echoes of the famous contest from the Renaissance to modern art and theory of art.
A possible relation between the art of subtle lines and the origin of painting according to Plinius is also reconsidered.