THE FIRST PART

Chapter XXV

Having completed the sketch and marked the most notable parts such as the breasts, loins, navel, and other important areas, it's necessary to start sketching with the main muscles, particularly the thighs, knees, and other joints; but first, you should gently touch the pencil or another medium to avoid erasing the initial lines. The main shading is drawn with ink and feather strokes in the first color, ensuring that the second shadowing adds more definition. The technique is to gently trace without applying heavy pressure, which will be discussed more thoroughly in this part.

Once these foundational elements are drawn, it’s crucial to note that these areas —among them the ribs, breasts, and the movement of the shoulders — should not disrupt the paper or interrupt the lines. They follow the basic structure of the body, ensuring the finishing touches are both precise and natural, especially when applying the next layer of shading.

Translation Notes: 'Bozzco' is an Italian term for a sketch or rough draft. 'Con sfumo' refers to a gentle blending or softening technique, often applied to avoid harsh lines. 'Crayon' denotes any drawing medium, not just colored chalk as might be assumed today. The technique refers to 17th-century artistic rendering to emphasize muscular structure using light and shadow.