76 METHOD FOR LEARNING

He took from each what he judged to be the most perfect, to compose his figure. By this means, he created such a beautiful masterpiece that the statue was called the Rule, and it was regarded thereafter as the most accomplished model that painters and sculptors could use for their studies. What was done for one gender was done for the other: precision was pushed so far as to create similar models for people of different ages and even different conditions.

It is thus rightly said that these ancient figures have always been considered the most reliable standard of beauty and proportion, and the true source from which artists should draw their knowledge. Can anything be more wonderful than the famous group of Laocoön, which is in the Vatican, and can pain be expressed with more dignity than it appears in the heads of this unfortunate father and his two children? The figure of Hercules, which can be seen at the Farnese Palace, is still admirable for the character it presents of a man of extraordinary strength, in whom one perceives something divine and supernatural at the same time. But who is not seized with admiration at the sight of the beautiful Venus, known as the Medici Venus, which appears rather as a masterpiece produced by grace; than a work of human hands? Can the same not be said of the Apollo, the Meleager, the Antinous, the Faun playing the flute, the Wrestlers, the Dying Gladiator, and so many other ancient statues, where the different characters, grace, and correction equally contribute to making as many pieces worthy of the greatest admiration?

To inspire more confidence in young students, in the detailed proportions of the different antiques we

Translation Notes: “Laocoön” refers to a famous sculpture of a Trojan priest and his sons being attacked by sea serpents. “Hercules,” “Venus,” “Apollo,” “Meleager,” “Antinous,” “Faun,” “Wrestlers,” and “Dying Gladiator” are references to classical statues admired for their depictions of ideal human forms and expressions.