The First Part

When the students begin, learning to easily draw figures, they start with the terrestrial figure. I have thought it beneficial to start by drawing parts of the human body as has been taught by all famous painters, both ancient and modern. This is because man, according to philosophers, is considered a microcosm. Since the head is the principal part of the body, it is usually the starting point. It can be drawn in two ways: firstly by dividing the head into four equal parts as demonstrated in the figure labeled A B C D E F G H I. To do this accurately, it is necessary to draw an oval and divide it into four equal parts. These include sections for the hair, an eye, the nose, and the chin, as illustrated in the accompanying diagram.

Next, draw a circle similar to the letter K, and when completed divide it into two parts from letter K to letter P. Having done this, draw a line noted as L across it to create four parts – this aids in placing the hairline at the top of the forehead, marked as M for positioning the eyes equally apart. Note the letter N provides guidance for the positioning of the nose and chin. Completing the oval line from Q to R, and from R to an S will help you accurately locate the extreme ends of the eyes and nose.

This method helps students practice understanding human forms and features through consistent practice. It highlights the importance of precise measurement and proportionality in art, which are key to representing the human figure accurately.

Translation Notes:
- 'Terrestrial figure' refers to the human form as depicted in art.
- 'Microcosm' is a philosophical concept referring to humans as a small representation of the larger universe.
- Letters (A, B, C, K, L, etc.) are used to denote specific parts of the drawing instructions, akin to labels or placeholders.