The text discusses the mechanics and aesthetics of human posture and movement. It explains how the body's weight shifts between the legs and the significance of maintaining elegance in both dynamic and static poses. The text suggests that observing human figures in art provides insight into a person's health and vitality.
Various Positions of Action. 243
Use of the third leg; Since much of the body's weight shifts from the lifting foot to the grounded foot while walking; therefore, moving is not much harder than standing, because the entire weight of the body, oh poor thing! falls on one leg with each step. That's why they gladly use a walking stick to assist. Divine Providence has granted humans two legs, necessary for standing; walking and running: When we now observe a person or human figure in paintings, standing firmly and neatly on their limbs, mostly on one foot planted, it seems to us almost as if its sturdy appearance did not need the second leg, or at least at that moment did not think about it. Thus, in viewing such action, we perceive a mental image of a fresh and healthy person, rather than a sick or weakened one.
Therefore, a figure will gain more elegance when the body's weight seems to have shifted mostly to one side, leg and foot, as clearly indicated by the position of the next little statue. And just as this must be seen in all actions and movements, so is it necessary in resting or still-standing figures, because the entire elegance there depends on the actual still position of the limbs. And even in real life, no act or genuine action can be imagined, where all the limbs are seen in their natural rest, placement, and symmetrical posture and weight. Therefore something should be taken into account.