Usefulness of Human Studies

It is undoubtedly continually progressed in this field. What wonder is it that in the Images and Scenes of the great Masters, things were found that might be criticized by descendants? But just as in the teaching of drawing and crafts, instructors sometimes present students with an unnatural or overly explicit trait or stroke to make teaching more distinct and noticeable, similarly, many brilliant minds of the art of painting wanted to serve the whole world in understanding muscles. At times they demonstrated these in an unnaturally strong manner, although most were subtle enough that one would discern nothing regarding the artistic style or place of action. Such examples from successors, sometimes followed unreasonably, have led to some delighting in creating, stubbornly persisting in it, claiming their work together with that of their masters or good predecessors could be deemed fine. As a result, sometimes styles in painting emerged, breaking through generally, among which the manner of strained human images called 'Sprangers Grips' was included.

Further insights were gained during the decline of the art of painting, observing the lives of the renowned masters. During the time when some masters strayed from human studies and some fell short, some conducted themselves more modestly, as their paintings and prints demonstrate. There is testimony from the Florentine painter Dello.

How through poor imitation, the flaws of ancient origins are sown.

What some masters have done to restore the declining human studies...

Translation Notes

'Menschkunde' translates as 'human studies' rather than 'anthropology.' 'Sprangers Greepjes' refers to a style noted for its exaggerated depiction of human figures.