The text discusses artistic guidelines for depicting the human body, acknowledging that exceptions are made based on social status or idealized forms, such as representing Hercules. Artists may exaggerate certain features to convey the character or status of the subject, maintaining overall proportionality. Proportions of deformed figures are not fixed due to constant variations.
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Regarding the pilasters and columns, it is not about the naming, but about what they are.
However, my measurements and those of others are not so general that they cannot accommodate exceptions found in the human body. These exceptions allow for distinguishing people in their higher or lower states, while maintaining proportion. For instance, an artist may assign larger hands and feet and coarser features to ordinary individuals, even if the rest of their body is of normal length. Similarly, Hercules can be portrayed with thick bones and, like all stocky men, with very fleshy figures and a short neck. This is because the well-filled frame of the shoulders and jaws makes the neck appear shorter, but still, the large head remains one-eighth of the total length. Meanwhile, those of high dignity should have a well-nourished body with an elevated neck, preserving the same proportions, each stature adorned with noble and beautiful features, with delicate limbs that subtly convince the viewer that some were taller and others shorter.
Proportions of deformed figures cannot be determined because of continuous variations.
The Definitions & Measurements, whether the same or others, are not general maxims; they are subject to the same exceptions found in the bodies of men. These exceptions make them more recognizable in their condition, whether higher or lower, while preserving a proportional stature. That's why an artist can very well assign larger hands and feet and coarser faces to ordinary people, even if their length is regular. Similarly, thick bones can be attributed to Hercules, and to him, as with all corpulent men, very muscular and a shortened neck because it appears less long due to the well-filled frame of the shoulders and jaws, as long as the large head makes one-eighth of the total length; but for people of first dignity, a well-nourished body with a high neck gives an impression of nobility and beauty, with delicate members and parts that subtly imbue the viewer with the impression that these were taller and those were shorter.
The proportions of deformed figures cannot be determined due to continuous variation.
Translation Notes
- The term 'stature proportionnée' refers to a proportional stature, indicating balance and appropriate scale.
- 'Hercules' refers to the mythological figure known for strength and muscular build, often used to symbolize a robust human form.