The text describes how figures in the book are divided into sections for measurement. It talks about two statues, Hercules Commodus and Medici Venus, in terms of their artistry and measurements. Hercules Commodus is praised for its proportions, while the Medici Venus is highlighted for its beauty and perfection.
Method for Learning
For understanding the noted measurements on these four Plates, it is important to know that the Author divides the entire figure into ten parts or faces, each of which is subdivided into three others called noses, and each nose is further divided into six smaller parts. Just inspecting the figure will suffice to grasp all these divisions.
The Hercules Commodus, whose representation with its measurements is seen here, Plate 56, is still a very fine Antique; though it is not of the first order, it is nonetheless beautifully proportioned; its shapes are good, and it approaches humanity more closely. The measurements are the same, for the subdivisions, as those of the Farnese Hercules.
The Venus, known as the Medici. Plates 57, 58, & 59.
This Venus is named so because the Princesses of this house once bought it for a considerable sum. It was once in Rome; but a Cardinal of Medicis had it removed secretly from the Romans, to adorn his Palace in Florence, where it is currently located.
It is the most perfect of all Antique female figures, and this statue can be considered a model of beauty. Her head has all the regularity, grace, and perfection one might desire. It is the truest nature and the most elegant choice, finally, it is an object worthy of the greatest admiration, and the most diligent study. It is even beyond nature, in that it resembles so many perfections, which is improbable they
Translation Notes: Face - Used here to mean sections or parts, not the literal face. Nez - Literally 'noses', used metaphorically to denote further subdivisions.