The text discusses the historical perspectives of measuring the human body in art. It mentions both Dutch and French explanations of using the head as a unit, arguing that a body should ideally measure eight heads in height. This method is considered a practical and accurate way to achieve well-proportioned human figures in art.
The authors, both old and recent, who are adept practitioners of this Art, have recognized and thus sought to establish firm rules to find and leave in writing. Although these rules do not all agree on the elegant length of a well-proportioned person (comparing the height from the chin to the crown of the head, with both included) nor in the average length of measurements, many artists from ancient and recent times have judged that a body of eight heads is a reasonable height, and that measuring using heads or faces is a simple and suitable method. And where is this measurement more readily found than in the thing itself? Instead of those who derive the measurement from elsewhere, they must first form an idea from all existing Statues, whether Colossal in height or smaller in size, creating a concept of a certain module or another type of measure; for example, one-ninth part of a statue, as they would arrange in such a place, to compare the proportion of the statue they find made; whereas otherwise, in drawing or painting, the trained eye; and in a statue, the compass, have the head ready for measurement.
Old and modern connoisseurs who have exercised in this Art; have sought in this view to find fixed definitions and set them in writing; which, although they don't all agree on the most beautiful size of a well-formed man (in comparison with the height of the Head from the chin to the top, including both), are considered by many as a reasonable measure, a body of eight heads being of an appropriate height, and that to measure by heads or faces is the easiest and most suitable method. And where would one find a quicker measure than in the thing itself? Instead of drawing it from elsewhere, they have to form the idea of a certain module from existing statues of any size (from colossal to minor and even smaller statues). In drawing, the trained eye; in a statue, the compass finds the head prepared for measurement.
Translation Notes
- "Statuën" and "Statues": In this context, refers to sculptures used as standards of measurement.
- "Module" or "Modul": Refers to a model or standard unit for comparison.