The text discusses the form and function of the human head, emphasizing its placement and structure. It describes the positioning of the eyes as if they were guards protecting the body, noting the typical shapes and deviations from the norm in reality. Additionally, it explains how variations are accounted for by artists and doctors and highlights the role of the jaw in protection.
Jaws and Function of the Head
and Seat of the Reasoning Mind. It is mainly placed upwards and high on the neck, to use the eyes and sight properly; which are there like two guards on a tower, set for the protection of the whole body. Being round in form, it holds much in a small space; and particularly oval or egg-shaped, so that it not only best communicates with the form of the body; but also that the parts of the face, one below the other, are more harmoniously arranged, and all can be seen; which cannot happen in a cleft circle, as the mouth and chin would then have nearly entirely stood under the head.
And although this is the general and upright form of the heads, nevertheless, in real life, one finds great variations, mostly noted as anomalies; just as doctors and artists have shown a number of twelve (dozen-makers are amateurs?) different forms of heads; most of which deviate from the generally beautiful and well-shaped, there is no need to consider here, as the artist's skill can quite well avoid deformity. There is too much importance given in the general lump or form of the head, so much so that a portrait or bust painted after life may not well resemble the ultimate, if the general entirety of the head is not well perceived, as we have broader teachings in our drawing studies.
The jaw is like a helmet, round and fixed; and serves for protection of the
Translation Notes
Konterfeytsel or Tronie: These terms refer to portrait or study of a face, respectively, translated as "portrait" or "bust."
Dozijn-Werkers: Literally “dozen-workers,” implies amateurs or lower-skilled artisans.