The text discusses the appropriate comportment and posture for women and maidens, emphasizing calmness, modesty, and restrained movement. It notes specific differences in posture between women and maidens, particularly in sitting positions. The text also provides guidelines for standing or action postures, advising against exaggerated movements of the back, chest, or hands.
The Human Figures, etc.
The actions of women of common age, especially young maidens, should remain very calm, modest, and restrained in movement. The knees should be slightly closed, and the feet not spread too wide from each other, as it conflicts with modesty and propriety; this should also be observed in sitting posture. Despite the general similarity in sitting between maidens and women, some observant minds have noticed that a sitting woman, when something is placed in her lap to receive it, will always open her knees and enlarge the lap, while a maiden or young girl, in the same action, will always close her knees tightly, making the lap smaller.
Furthermore, the arms should be modest and not wildly moved or strayed far from the body, except in the necessary event of some significant action or misbehavior. A slight tilt of the head to the side also gives a graceful posture and modesty to female images. This observation will be discussed in more detail when considering particular actions and passions.
In a general standing or action posture, one should ensure that the chest and abdomen remain moderately held and not push the back backwards or the chest forwards. The hands should not be raised above the eyes; rather, they should remain mostly engaged near the chest and heart.
Translation Notes
- "Vrouwelijke Beelden" translated here as "female images," which implies the representation of women in art.
- "Actien" translated as "actions," referring to physical postures or gestures.