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Page Summary:

The text discusses the importance of accurately depicting folds in art, emphasizing that folds should only appear if there is a legitimate reason. It critiques the tendency of some to misinterpret artistic rules and highlights the need for careful selection of materials to properly convey the appearance and weight of clothing. The passage also advises considering the consistent height in depictions of garments.

Image of Original Page
English Translation of this page:

Actual Circumstances

It is stated that the folds around sections A and B, where their origin is, are more closely gathered and folded more deeply than around section C, which has strayed far from its origin and leans more towards its natural plane. This can remind us in passing that folds should only be seen in images if they have a true cause and should not be greater in number or larger or smaller than their true cause permits. One might firmly believe that when all these matters are carefully considered, the artistic lines of the images and the grandeur of the parts, which should never seem too long or too short due to the randomness of the folds, will be clearly preserved. We know that a critic, who commonly pulls the rules of art towards his ears rather than seeking to make them universally applicable, might argue that in the depiction of this philosopher, the limbs are not too well or clearly marked by the clothing. However, when we make the respectful observer aware of how much distinction must be made in the materials from which the garments appear to be taken (since in some cases large, heavy, and round folds, and other materials give small, light, swift, and sharp folds), it will then become apparent how the weight and thickness of such a cloth garment, which mostly hangs loose and open after decomposition, do not entirely match the visible limbs. Furthermore, one must note in this example that the consistent height shown in the hanging of the cloth below...

Translation Notes

1. "Ployen": translated as "folds" in English.
2. "Teyerkundige Trek": interpreted as "artistic lines" here.
3. "RedenVitter": likely a critic or commentator who might be critical of precise art rules.
4. "Kleyne, Lugtige, Snelle en Kantige Ployen": translated as "small, light, swift, and sharp folds".