Beauty of Human Figures

were drawn into the Virtues of the Ancients, to observe Life without being blind to it, but by using this Guide in the Example of the Ancients, to choose the Beautiful, and to use the whole Life admirably; which is otherwise very difficult and uncertain. Thus far the remarkable reason of that steadfast Draftsman, to the Noble and Art-Loving Gentleman, Constantijn Huygens, Lord of Zuilichem. Undoubtedly, the Creator intended that the most Beautiful things should best please the rational Creature. And therefore, there is a very close connection between the Art-made Beauty and that which arises from Nature. What should not be overlooked here is that we often most delight ourselves in those of the latter kind. Certainly, this does not only occur because our Eye observes how fortunately Art contends with Nature; but because our mind often finds such great joy that we cannot contain or suppress our happiness: because while we move from the imitated to the Natural, and again from the Natural to the Artistic Works, with our thoughts wandering back and forth; so our heart springs forth with joy; and rejoices and glorifies by a secret favor, which the Artist attributes to the Works as if they were brought about by our own doing. Indeed, a serious contemplation of the Art scenes can often carry our thoughts further than those of the Natural would do. We read of Karibiles, that when he came into the Temple of Venus, and that he her...

Translation Notes

1. 'Schoonheyd' is translated as 'Beauty'.
2. 'Menschebeelden' can be understood as 'Figures', often referring to human forms or images.
3. 'Teyckenaar' is translated as 'Draftsman', traditionally used for those skilled in drawing or design.
4. 'Konstige Werken' is translated as 'Artistic Works'.
5. 'Karibiles' likely refers to a historical or mythological figure, contextually translated as 'Charibilus'.
6. Reference to 'Venus' is noted as the Goddess of Love, indicative of classical art themes.