The text discusses the balance and positioning of sculptures, using the example of the Bronze Horse of Emperor Antoninus at the Capitol. It describes the importance of understanding natural models to achieve balance, similar to how birds naturally maintain balance when performing actions like flying or pecking. The passage emphasizes the natural balance necessary for both sculptures and living creatures.
Position of Statues in
two Feet of the same elevated without falling. If the Sculptor had considered nature, he would have had the two feet that stand inclined over each other be lifted, letting the other two remain on the base: As done with the Bronze Horse of Emperor Antoninus, at the Capitol place; which is worthy to be seen with wonder by everyone: In which this master used greater judgment, while he formed the Horse so closely to the Natural model, that the two Feet standing angularly over each other were lifted, the others remaining on the base.
Thus, Nature also seems not to have been idle in providing in those things that the Birds need to perform their actions well. Whether they eat, walk, or do anything else, it is always necessary that the line of direction, under which they are kept stable or in motion, is preserved or maintained. For it is known through daily experience, that when they lower their head to peck at their food from the Earth, their Feet are advanced such that, being balanced in this way, they fulfill their function more lightly. But when they fly, they are held up by their two wings as supports, so that the entire Body does not tip forward or backward; but the weight of the Body is properly weighed or balanced. Which would not happen if the line of direction did not pass through the support and Center of gravity. And just as other Birds have a different structure of the Body...