The Drawing

The essential goal one must strive for is to merge the grace of truth with the most beautiful aspects of nature, as the artist's aim is illusion; thus reaching a point of perfection.

Let us conclude that despite the extreme beauty of the Farnese Hercules, one must exercise caution in its use. It is beneficial to copy it for beginners who are still learning how to accurately represent what is in front of their eyes, as its muscles are very prominent, and its grand and broad style helps in observing true beauty. However, this study should be set aside for a time until one is well-versed in nature and its truths and charms; at that point, one may return to perfect their skills once they feel confident enough to study it further without falling into mannerism.

This admirable statue is the work of Glycon, an Athenian sculptor, as seen engraved on the stone supporting Hercules' club. It is said that when it was found without legs in excavations in Rome, Brother Guillaume de la Porte proposed restoring it. He succeeded so well in this task that when the statue's original legs were later discovered, Michelangelo Buonarroti, consulted on the matter, preferred the new legs over the old ones and opposed their modification.

Plate 54, Figure 1, shows Hercules from the front with all proportions measured from the front; Figure 2 depicts him from the back; Plate 55, Figure 1, from the side; and Figure 2 shows the skeleton of the same.

Translation Notes: In this context, 'illusion' refers to the artistic skill of creating a convincing depiction of reality. 'Mannerism' means a habitual style or behavior in art that can restrict creative expression.