The text provides descriptions of various figures and their proportions, often based on the height measured in heads and parts. It includes examples from notable sculptures such as Hercules, Antinous, and the Venus de Medici. The focus is on capturing movement and details, with insights into historical drawing practices. Notations indicate the measurements and specific views of each figure.
DRAWING
The definition of the term: a master, when conducting a study from nature, sometimes only aims to capture the movement or the turn of a figure, then uses another model to complete the studies of other parts such as the head, hands, etc. In this example, the author focused only on the movement, as shown by the lack of attention to detail.
PLATE XXXII.
Landscape after a pen drawing by Titian
The esteem for sketches of this kind by this master determined our choice to include this example. However, it’s beneficial to also copy the sketches of other masters who excelled in this area.
PLATE XXXIII.
Proportions of Figures on the Farnese Elevation
This figure is seven heads tall, with three noses and seven parts, assuming the figure stood upright and equally balanced on its feet. It is by the hand of Glison, a Greek sculptor.
The head comprises four noses, with each nose divided into twelve parts, forming a pattern of 1, 3, 1, 3. Thus, three heads plus two noses equal ten and a half parts. Noted for plates XXXIII, XXXIV, XXXVI & XXXVII.
Figure 1. Hercules, viewed from the front.
2. The same, from the back.
3. The same, from the side.
4. The arm.
5. The face.
6 & 7. The knees.
PLATE XXXIV.
Proportions of the Statue of Antinous
This figure is seven heads tall and two noses, assuming it was upright.
Figure 1. Antinous, viewed from the front.
2. The same, from behind.
3. The right foot, viewed from the front.
4. Another foot, viewed from the front.
5 & 6. The same figure viewed from both sides.
7. The head.
8. The nose and mouth.
9 & 10. The feet, viewed from different angles.
PLATE XXXV.
Proportion of the Pythian Apollo
This figure is seven heads tall, with three noses, and six parts, assuming it was upright.
PLATE XXXVI.
Proportions of Laocoön
This figure is seven heads tall, with two noses and three parts; it is of an old baculary, made in concert by three of the most renowned sculptors of antiquity.
Figure 3: 1. Laocoön viewed from the front.
2. One of his children viewed from the front.
3. The same viewed from the side.
PLATE XXXVII.
Proportions of the Gladiator
Figure 1. The Gladiator viewed from the front.
2. The same viewed from the side.
3. The legs viewed from the side.
4. The left leg viewed from the side.
5. The right leg viewed from the side.
6. The head.
PLATE XXXVIII.
Proportions of the Venus de Medici
This figure is seven heads and three noses tall.
Figure 1. The Venus viewed from the front.
2. The same viewed from the back.
3. The head.
4. The shoulder and arm viewed from the side.
6. The left arm.
7. The figure viewed from both sides.
8, 9, & 10. The feet viewed from different angles. The figures from these last Plates were measured from the originals in marble.
One of the main characteristics of the human figures in their gestures is the decisiveness of their poses, which defines their features. Knowing how to reveal these quickly is vital. Mr. Cochin's instructions would have made this section far more interesting and perfect if the nature of our work had allowed it, based on his significant expertise in the art we are discussing here.
Translation Notes
- "Proportions of Figures on the Farnese Elevation" refers to the study of proportion using ancient examples.
- "Baculary" refers to a specific type of ancient figure or technique in sculpture.