The text discusses the proportions of the human body in drawing, referencing antique statues like Laocoön and Venus, noting that hands are slightly longer than the face for gracefulness. It outlines methods by Pomponius Gauricus, who suggests various numbers of face lengths in body height, advocating nine as the most accepted among artists. Detailed instructions are given for dividing the body into these proportions.
THE DRAWING.
Regarding a sixth: from there to the elbow, there is a sixth for each arm; from the elbow to the wrist, a seventh, and a bit more; finally from the wrist to the fingertips, a tenth; so that when both arms are extended, they, along with the chest, constitute the same length as the entire figure.
This author also reports that he has observed in the famous antique statues, such as those of Laocoön, Venus, Apollo, and Cleopatra, that the hands are somewhat longer than the face: the ancients (he adds) having recognized that this small liberty made the figures more graceful.
Proportions by Pomponius Gauricus.
There are, according to Gauricus, several opinions on the proportion of the human body: some give it eight, others ten faces in height; but it is much better received at nine faces, and several excellent painters have subscribed to this view. Here is how to make the division.
From the top of the head to the hairline, one counts one third of a ninth, or one third of the face's height: this part, covered with hair, is not included in the nine faces. Thus, from the hairline to the chin, you count the first face; from the chin to the throat, where the chest begins, you count for the neck half a face; from the throat below the breasts, you count one face; from there to the navel, one face; from the navel to the natural part another face; and that is the middle of the figure standing.