The text is a dedication for a project on human studies, presented as a newly created work needing recognition and guidance. The author requests that a distinguished individual provide protection and endorsement, which would validate the project and its artistic value. By doing so, the author hopes any imperfections in the work will be kindly overlooked by the audience.
DEDICATION.
Persevere in that, among other incidental efforts, finally my project on human studies has come to fruition such that Your Honor will judge it to be worthy of presenting to the world. Yet, as this newborn creation, due to its own nakedness and humble origin, needs some dignity and recognition, and a wise and understanding art lover would deem it worthy of oversight and protection; I therefore humbly request, Sir, that Your Honor will grant the kindness of allowing me to dedicate this paper child to you: not because there is virtue in it, as I am aware, which would earn it a rich house, but so that my imperfect work of art, by the favorable eye of such a distinguished man and renowned art lover, might be accompanied by proper posture in every manner of appearance: which under your benevolent attention, will lay the foundation that all the human missteps in my human studies made, will be kindly overlooked by all observers. And I believe this all the more as d'Era
Translation Notes:
- "Menschkunde" is translated as "human studies."
- "Naaktheid," or "nakedness," here means lack of embellishment or pedigree.