The text provides a method for drawing a cow in profile and from various angles by dividing a square into smaller measured parts. It describes specific measurements for different sections like the head, belly, and legs, employing similar techniques used for depicting horses. The technique emphasizes balancing proportions and conveys a sense of realistic motion.
THE FIFTH PART
The method of drawing the cow in profile. To sketch a cow, you start by creating a square of sections like A.B.C.D. This is divided into equal quarters. On one side, similar to B.E.F.D., and the other into four parts akin to C.G.H.I.D. Then, divide the area D.F. (representing the foot measurement) into eight equal parts. We then draw a quarter of this foot for the rest of the body. For example, drawing from the head, the muzzle is placed within the height, continuing with a quarter for the body width, as indicated between the lines H.I. The quarter of the belly lies between the lines G.H., and is displaced to C.G. for a length, measuring seven feet and three quarters in total, with a belly width of two feet and an allowance for the height of the legs and feet. You can refer to figure I for more clarity. To sketch the cow from the front or back, use the same method as previously described for the horse, taking the circle of the square here. The square needs to be sectioned into three, as shown by K.L.M.N. The line E of this square is the same as that of the K.L.M.N. square, previously marked in E.
The common method used to draw cows from the side involves their measured components.
Now for sketching a cow, I place here a square of four equal parts, shown above by A.B.C.D., dividing one of the parts into three equal sections, as demonstrated with B.F.D. The other side is divided into four equal parts, marked G.H.I.D. Additionally, the side D.F. is segmented into eight, equivalent to quarters I assign to the head. They must fit within two feet and four of the foot for the width. For drafting the front part, I refer to the shoulders between the lines H.L. The section containing the belly lies between the lines G.H., and the rear part, line C.G., extends with a length covering up to five feet, while the belly carries two feet broad width and height before dropping to feet. Thus, two feet. Reference can be taken from the Example. However, to sketch the Weachar from the rear, it uses the same method I configured with the horse, taking the same side of the square, dividing it into three, as seen by K.L.M.N., but the line E of square K.L.M.N. is indeed the same line shown by the marker E above.
A proper manner to depict a cow sideways
To draw a cow correctly (so we maintain an action as truly and realistically as possible), it is essential to comprehend its angles and systems. When deployed properly, it shows an exponential increase of precision across its dimensions. Thought to enhance natural motion, ideology maps correctly, as well as strategic diffusion of lines evokes layers of spatial expression past its natural disposition.
Translation Notes
- "Vacha" is the term used for "cow" in Italian of this period.
- Measurements are expressed using body-related comparisons, which were standard in historical contexts.