The text describes the artistic examination of faces, focusing on proper proportions in various postures. An example illustrates dividing an oval into sections to determine the proportions of different facial features, such as the forehead, nose, mouth, and chin. The method involves dividing the face into a grid to ensure proper measurement and balance.
Artistic Examination of Faces
Faces must be proportioned in various postures and selections. We first discuss the natural forms, which are horizontal faces, as previously explained in the earlier chapter.
First Example of Face Positioning, straight from the front.
Firstly, in this example of such a visible sketch, an oval is drawn, labeled A.B.C.D. This oval is divided into two middle lines, which we call diameters, such as A.C. and D.B., intersecting at point G at equal angles, forming a cross. Let the proposed head have the length of the added line, F.E. Divide this line into four equal parts, indicated by the marks 1, 2, 3, and 4. The first part shows the forehead, the second the forehead's top, the third the nose, and the fourth the mouth and chin. Divide the lower section C.H. into three equal parts: C.L. marks the chin's height; L.I. the space in between the chin height and mouth opening; the third part for the upper mouth section.
The height of the mouth is also divided into three parts, two for the lower and one for the upper lip and opening. The nose retains the length of a fourth part of the oval, and the width is determined from the sixth part of the oval's width.
Translation Notes
The term 'tronie' refers to artistic studies of face and expression. 'Gehapde' means proportional or measured parts.