The text discusses how the proper proportions of human figures in art can often be judged by eye without extensive measurement, focusing on the head as a key indicator. It explains how a large head can make a body seem smaller, while a small head can make it appear larger, affecting the overall perception of a sculpture's greatness and dignity. The passage also notes a historical tendency among sculptors to use smaller heads to enhance the perceived grandeur of their works.
The Human Figures.
One can follow such a leader confidently and avoid any error.
It is thus not altogether false when some say that proportion measurements are mostly hidden and can serve in the creation of large statues that surpass life and the eye in all parts; and yet they are not much needed by artists who only travel the simple path of life, following daily observations they have set for themselves.
The good proportion of a statue can generally be perceived by the eye, and without much measurement needed to explore, as the rules suggest; it can be slightly revealed that, from the proportion of the head, it becomes immediately apparent if a statue is well-proportioned or not: particularly in length and width. Thus, we see at once that a large thick head makes the body appear smaller and shorter than it might otherwise, if that same head was somewhat more proportionate. It is also noted conversely that a small head makes the body appear long and large. It is thus not wholly inappropriate that, in measuring the body, the head is used as a measure, and general proportion is maintained. Many fine masters, being set on the greatness of their sculptures, took great care to ensure the heads of human figures were smaller rather than too large so that the dignity of the bodies is preserved, and they appear great. Yet, some do not follow this.