The text humorously discusses the discomfort of tight seating and the old men's wisdom in accommodating space for comfort. It emphasizes the importance of attention and the continuous need for the gaze in significant matters, advising on the artistic portrayal of figures in various stances. Lastly, it cautions against unnecessary complexity but acknowledges the natural variability in artistic compositions.
Of Human Figures, etc.
And surely those who have often traveled with the Dutch pancake carts know well the discomfort of sitting tight. The old men in the Guest Houses and almshouses, to prevent grumbling and murmuring during the winter while sitting comfortably by the hearth, have set the measure of their knees to be able to fit two fists in their width between them, so everyone should be content. We are engaged in more serious matters, otherwise, we would make the reader laugh heartily with a strange cabbage-war story.
Elsewhere being attentive and seriously occupied, and turning the gaze to another matter, signifies an action of a moment. For in significant matters, one can momentarily divert the gaze elsewhere, but indeed the gaze is always needed at work. All who wish to wisely portray themselves in these things will seldom or never apply images in a simple stance, or entirely from the side, or entirely from the front, upright. For in that varied performance, no particular action or deed can be expressed that will truly be pleasing; although this is sometimes possible in life, and often necessary; it is true when composing a scene with many figures alters, to make use of some examples commonplace.
Yet if of the wisest, it is judged not praise-worthy; because the variability of workable matters is rich enough and supplies sufficient material, to make busy figures, just as it is considered that one does not have to be empty...
Translation Notes
- "Warmoes-Batalje": A humorous reference to a trivial or mock battle, often related to cabbage or greens, suggesting a comedic or light-hearted disagreement.