Various States of Action

It was observed that the shifted body of Hercules, and consequently both these men, were thereby conveniently supported. Additionally, a faint middle line was also indicated in the illustration. It should also be noted that the left foot of Hercules, being situated outside of the weight line, can provide a considerable counterbalance. What is particularly instructive about this example is that in all forceful actions, such as lifting, carrying, and others, it is crucial to ensure that the figures are proportionally counterbalanced according to the height and weight of the load they are to bear, as necessary for the required motion. Less or more action may be seen; for one knows that to lift a stick or a handstone from the earth does not require as much action as one would need to lift a beam or a tombstone. Consequently, it is not necessary to visibly illustrate the clear counterbalance of the body that results from any such weight, in similar depictions. One observes that when an experienced worker is to pick up a package or load, he instinctively bends and positions himself, first examining in what stance and with what counterbalance, shifting his body to one side or another, he can manage the proposed weight; and in whatever moment he encounters it, he also picks up the load and tries his best to keep himself under the same weight line. It often happens that one performs this skillfully and more frequently better than another; so it also often happens that one fails.

That the appropriateness of the counterbalance must be addressed. How a worker should prudently manage while carrying.

Translation Notes

gewigt-Lijn: Translated here as "weight line," referring to the line of balance.
Heffen, Tillen, Dragen: Translated as "Lifting, Carrying, and others," referring to physical activities.
Arbeyder: Translated as "worker," indicating someone performing manual tasks.