The text discusses how to appropriately render a head in art, considering angles and proportions according to specific rules. It emphasizes confirming these rules through example illustrations and warns of common misunderstandings by artists and engravers. It speaks to the challenge of executing work not fully under one's control and how reliance on others can lead to mistakes, yet reminds us that gained knowledge is beneficial.
Artistic Facial Composition
One should understand the previous composition; however, one of them reminds us that when setting a face according to the said rule, with the head bent forward and inclined, one must ensure that the horizontal arc from D.G.C. to D.C. must be drawn downward towards B. This applies similarly when the face is turned in another direction as illustrated in the first proposition.
Additionally, in the following illustration, some agreeable head positions are shown; mostly inclined sideways, forwards, and backwards, partially confirming the usefulness of the said rules. If one takes the effort to examine them attentively, or reconstruct them by hand: we intend to admonish the art practitioner to kindly overlook a slight misunderstanding of the engraver regarding the head. And to fulfill in thought what is missing in the third example. Here the five dotted guides going from D.E.C. to A.F.B. should be marked with precision, as there is an imperfection present. Our proficiency prevented us from neglecting this and risking a more severe oversight. Indeed, it is difficult for a person to bring perfectly to light things that are not entirely within their own control; often, reliance on another's expertise deceives, due to a lack of general knowledge seldom found among art practitioners. However, what we also find, we also discern; that knowledge increases.
Translation Notes
- "Tronie" is a historical term often referring to a study or sketch of a face or head, not necessarily a direct portrait.