On Human Figures, etc.

The aim is to capture likeness accurately, requiring the nose to be more prominent in some postures, which is not always feasible in coin minting. Silver, gold, or copper cannot bear raised features without being screwed or hammered. Some faces are set with the nose overhanging the cheeks or eyebrows in such a manner that if one attempted to mold them, they would not release, much less than if this were done with a stamp. This is why plaster casters mostly cast faces with molds made of two or more parts. In painting, it is better to show less or more rotation: The reason being that they are displayed completely at the side, accurately placed, and revealing an appropriate moment of observation, clearly indicating that they are not casually positioned but deliberately chosen with foresight; something that free handling, which is sometimes required in figures, completely opposes, indeed removes.

Regarding the capacity of the arms, it must be understood that they cannot extend further backward or sideways, except as they can reach or be brought, only if they touch with the tip of the middle finger on the edge or bulge of the elbow: This is likewise shown again in the following diagram marked O. The adjacent statue sufficiently shows how a person cannot extend the arm and hand in a proper posture further than with the full hand, demonstrating the utmost capabilities of arms and hands.

The figures should always have an ordinary and incidental stance.