THE FOURTH PART,

Of the light of the art of drawing and painting

IN WHICH IS DISCUSSED,

How in a very easy and artistic way figures, with all kinds of fabrics, should be dressed, with the use of the mannequin.

To the Reader.

Believing in my opinion, in the second and third part having sufficiently spoken of the instruction of the apprentices of this art, concerning the proportion of man, and his measures in nude, I have not deemed it less necessary to briefly write how one should dress them: and although man was initially created without clothing, and garments only serve to cover its shame, nevertheless because our climate is cold and it is necessary to protect against the improprieties and chills, and instead of being worn for necessity, they are worn for greater glory; this also gives a great ornament in carrying them conveniently each according to his state, and gives an embellishment in our art: both in histories and portraits. I therefore want to show with a small discourse how one should dress them.

The Use of the Mannequin.

Because a living man would be difficult to keep as a model for too long, and is too changeable and too mobile. For this reason, the great Masters in Italy by a unique practice invented an easier, yet safer way to design after the natural their draperies, by a man made of wood so that they have dressed with some fabrics they can keep better in shape, and it can be governed by joints and bent, folded, laid in the same way as a person in life as after I acted the model in three ways known as A, B, C, which one governs with a needle of iron.

Usage

If someone, therefore wants to unveil some Figure, it is very necessary to first make a design on a paper of color, gray or blue, or similar, and give it a ....

Translation Notes:

1. "Fabrics" (effoffes): In historical contexts, this often refers to the way clothing and draperies are depicted in art.
2. "Mannequin" (manekin): Refers to a wooden figure used by artists to study drapery and poses.