The Drawing

Besides this, there are movements of contortion, which occur through the cartilage of the vertebrae. The neck bends in all directions along with the head, and the joint that separates the vertebrae from that of the spine also undergoes movements of contortion, which are nonetheless subject to rules. It is true that the head, neck, spine, and loins can all together contribute to making extraordinary contortions.

The same is true for the arms at the shoulder joint, where movement and contortions can be made in all directions, but much more forward than backward, where it is always quite minimal, and with a contortion of the whole body. As for the elbow joint, movement can only occur towards the inside of the arm, with the elbow being inflexible outwardly like the knee.

Regarding the hand, it is capable of all kinds of movements at the wrist, which are, however, quite moderate, for when attempting to perform a contortion, it is done through the two bones of the forearm which then lend their support; one can also notice that the movement of the fingers is never natural except inside the hand. In a word, everything that does not appear natural is contrary to the good taste of Drawing, and this is what art people call 'Estropié'.

We note that the part from the clavicles to the hollow of the stomach does not change or very little in any posture, because the skin and muscles are attached at this point to immovable bones: but from the bottom of the breasts to the hips, the outer contour and muscles change in form and appearance. For example, when the body...

Translation Notes:
'Estropié' usually means 'crippled' but here it refers to contortion in art that lacks grace or harmony.