The text discusses the author's reluctance to publish drawings and only agrees at the request of art enthusiasts to provide general dimensions. Experienced individuals can judge smaller parts like fingers by mental measurement, making it unnecessary to detail them separately. The work will also include proportions for small children, known as Cupids.
Translation from Dutch/French
In recent times, I have occasionally created some drawings without any intention of publishing them; although in the end, I only consented with considerable reluctance and at the repeated request of several art enthusiasts. I have only agreed to publish the general dimensions and proportions, believing it unnecessary to provide those of the smaller limbs and parts, as experienced individuals, with the compass they carry in their minds, are always able to measure, for instance, the fingers and hand, to place them on the arm; having become accustomed to it through the instruction received in their learning years and through continuous practice. Memorizing the small dimensions of eyes, hands, fingers, etc., as found with Albert Durer and other skilled masters, seems to me very burdensome for students, who would benefit more from dedicating their patience and diligence to closely following examples and accurately drawing them, in order to acquire the mental compass.
Granting the aforementioned request has led to another consequence, namely, to extend this work with the proportions of the so-called Cupids or small children, for which I have allowed myself more easily persuaded to add.
Translation Notes
Proportions & Dimensions: These terms refer to the relative measurements of the human body parts in art.
Compass in the Eye: A metaphor for the ability to judge proportions and distances by sight.