Of Human Figures, Etc.

There were indeed the outspoken Pompey and Fabianus, who never spoke in the Council without blushing or showing some sign of despondency from their state of mind.

To speak before few people, causing a great commotion, and to perform many actions as if speaking before a large assembly, seems more like the frenzy or outburst of a madman than speaking sensibly. A perceptive young student preparing a trial lesson for his master, on the skill of learning to preach, was reprimanded for not making enough dramatic gestures and for not raising his voice than if he had been speaking with someone alone; he said, 'That is the truth.' Indicating that he spoke after the crowd, but his master did not understand it, although he praised him for his witty responses.

In an act where a statue speaks against an entire assembly or multitude of people (statues and paintings do not speak, but we speak metaphorically), it must be considered whether the statue is speaking while seated or standing; also what subject it addresses, and how it keeps the audience engaged: whether it tells them something; or attempts to convince them of something, or powerfully impress something upon them to make them believe; to notice the real action from its essence and gestures. If the speaking statue then needs to present various things, it should be shown that the two foremost fingers along with the thumb of the right hand should grasp a finger of the left hand, keeping the two other fingers of the same hand closed: the expression must

Translation Notes:

'Actie': Refers to dramatic gestures or actions, rather than literal legal or formal actions.

'Beeld': While this typically translates to 'statue' or 'image', it is metaphorically used here, illustrating a figurative speech example.