Chapter 29

Problem of the proportion of children, both male and female.

Since children have not yet acquired the perfection of form and their small limbs are not yet articulated, they appear to not belong together. It is necessary to find a method to design and understand how this can be done. A line should be drawn from the head to the sole of the feet, divided into five equal parts. From the top of the head to the groin is three units, and from the groin to the feet is two units, as depicted by the child in the illustration. The shoulder's width is measured using various guidelines: the nose, ear, and the line drawn across the head and face, which relate to known landmarks like the eyebrow and chin.

Issue of the figure of children, both Male and Female.

Given the children's limbs are not fully developed, one must consider methods for articulating them. Their form is still enclosed and contained, requiring strategic lines to comprehend their structure. Measure from head to groin in three parts, and from groin to feet in two parts to ensure balance in form, based on visible structures. Breasts, shoulders, hips, and thighs indicate length based on distinct points outlined in the illustration.

Problem of the proportion of children, both male and female.

Since children have not acquired the perfection of stature, and their small limbs are not yet articulated, seeming folded within each other, it's necessary to find a method to reveal their structure. From the head to the plant of the foot, a line is drawn which is divided into 5 equal parts. From the head to the groin, 3 parts. And from the groin to the feet, 2 parts, as the child demonstrates. Width, measured from the face, is equal to three-quarters of the length of the nose and three times the breadth of the nostrils, according to known guidelines.

A preliminary measure of children from 5 principal points.

While children have not yet reached full stature, with limbs appearing intertwined and crossing each other, consider methods to align them more fully. A straight line should be drawn from the top of the head to the soles of the feet, divided according to significant bodily markers. The instructions regarding breast width, shoulder width, and length of extremities illustrate the alignment and proportion necessary, based on a anatomical framework visible in the body's lengths from the known reference points in the depiction. Adjust these guidelines according to previously established understanding and modify according to further insights as needed.

Translation Notes

Lines regarding body measurement and related anatomical terms may require familiarity with artistic tools for measuring proportions common in historical drawings. Some terms such as "visage" refer to the face or front view and the French terms in particular align closely with Latin anatomy as was common in historic texts.