The text discusses the essential nature of human studies in the arts, emphasizing the importance of understanding human form and beauty for artists such as painters, sculptors, and draughtsmen. Knowledge of accurate proportions and the function of limbs is necessary for creating lifelike depictions. This foundational knowledge allows for art that conveys power and natural movement.
NATURAL AND Artistic Design OF HUMAN STUDIES.
Chapter I.
On the General Necessity of Human Studies for Drawing and the Art of Painting, etc.
If there is any lovely science, in which an intelligent and learned artist should not be ignorant, it is undoubtedly some aspect of human studies. For beyond the invaluable utility that all major sciences receive from it, so leads it to a complete necessity in relation to general Art, without any pretext or exception, binding all draughtsmen, painters, sculptors, and practitioners to speak intelligently of their works. They are compelled to possess a fundamental knowledge of the true beauty of human figures, and how the proper proportion must be arranged for the function of the limbs, so they may be found in mutual understanding and order, and all be moved with particular power, bravado, and a natural occurrence.
Translation Notes:
- "Menschkunde" is translated as "Human Studies."
- "Schilderkonst" refers to the "Art of Painting."
- "Schoonheyd" is translated as "Beauty."