The text emphasizes the importance of understanding the human form, including bone structure and muscle function, for artists and scientists. Knowledge of human anatomy is essential not only for artistic purposes but also for comprehending the movements and beauty of human figures. The text insists that without this understanding, one cannot be considered a master in the arts such as painting and sculpture.
Usefulness of Human Studies
The movement, which is essential to the execution of actions and to the sensory expression of emotions, should be well managed. Likewise, the knowledge of the external shape and arrangement of the bones, concerning their form and place, along with the operation of the muscles that dress the mentioned bones in flesh, must inherently be included in the precision of human studies. This is because they are not only the principal tools through which a person, by means of the living spirits, according to the realm of the rational soul, can govern themselves properly, but also define the entirety of a person within a very noble and nearly inimitable outline. Consequently, we can confidently say that an artist who is entirely ignorant and embarrassed in this matter cannot have the least foundation to present himself as a great master in the art of painting; likewise, he will have no ability to rationally discuss the positioning or true beauty of the figures.
It has long been pressed by not only learned men and great painting masters, but also many renowned anatomists and physicians that the understanding of the structure of the human figure is crucial to all natural sciences. This understanding should especially be comprehended by philosophers, doctors, and surgeons, but predominantly by draftsmen, painters, sculptors, founders, engravers, and all followers of natural life; so that they may all adhere to the movements and gestures according to the
Translation Notes:
- "Menschkunde" is translated as "human studies," emphasizing the study of the human figure and not anthropology.