The text discusses the concept of beauty in human figures, emphasizing the harmonious combination of forms and how innate beauty can be distinct to certain families or nations. It explains that true beauty is effortlessly recognizable and often admired, serving as an ideal model for artists. The text also references historical examples like the people of Abdera, known for their unique beauty.
Beauty of Human Figures
Developing individuals with upright limbs and robust fleshy features, harmoniously filled with well-moderated and healthy blood, implies that even their nerves are gracefully concealed by an agreeable glow. If one attempts to define the beauty of a face particularly, it is not easily ungracious. No deviation from this beauty can be detected either as a whole or in parts. Generally, well-formed faces possess nothing obviously imperfect. Beauty, someone says, can be effortlessly recognized and admired with astonishment and affection, more so than through the rule of discovering artistic traits, which aim to express their actual essence; Thus, beauty constitutes an inspiring model for painters, obligatory for all practitioners to closely follow.
Some have noted an innate beauty that is inherent either to certain families or to some nations specifically; Which is mainly evident either in the exquisite faces or in the graceful limbs and charming overall appearance. Among these was once the people of Abdera, who had some uncommon beauty or majestic grandeur in their faces because, as Stephanus's book of old cities testifies, the ancients, with particular diligence, often drew the Abderitans. However, a certain region's peculiar and general beauty still impresses the surrounding inhabitants.
Beauty of a Face.
Different Beauties.
Beauty of people according to their Country.
Translation Notes: "Tronie" refers to a head or face and is used here to denote facial features. "Ledematen" are limbs or extremities, emphasizing physical form. "Schoonheyd" translates to "Beauty."