The text elaborates on the proportional measurements of the human figure, drawing on Leonardo da Vinci's belief that a figure should be divided into 10 parts of faces or profiles for proportion. It discusses how women's heads are generally smaller than men's and the influence of hairstyles on perceived head size. It also notes the ancient practice of dividing statues into parts, highlighting how this has changed over time.
Detailed Figure Measurements
Women with broad shoulders have children more often.
Leonardo da Vinci wished that a complete human figure be divided into 10 parts of 'faces' (not heads) in length, with two parts for the width of the shoulders.
It is also noted here that women’s heads are generally smaller than men’s, which can be seen from the example of J. P. Lomazzo. Whether the Divine Providence intended to prevent women's heads, which are often visibly enlarged by hairstyles, headgear, or other coverings, from losing their proportional beauty relative to the body, is a matter of speculation. Although we dare to suggest that we believe a well-proportioned woman's head, bare and thin, with hair sticking to the head or under a hat or cap, does not possess great beauty, we often say it appears as if it was "Anneje with the small head." Especially when they are without any adornments, hair ties, or a "Drol" style cut at the back of the head. The chickens whose tail feathers have fallen out also show a sketch of this. And because the common women in Germany have been accustomed from a young age to carry everything on their heads wherever they need to, it is believed they often have thick and broad heads.
The ancients used to divide statues into 21 parts, and while some do this inadequately in 15 parts; according to these
Translation Notes
- 'Drol': Could imply a particular hairstyle or cut that is humorous or comical.
- 'Anneje': A reference possibly to a character or saying familiar at the time, implying someone with a very small head.