Skip to main content
Page Summary:

The text discusses the proportions of hands and feet, emphasizing how different perspectives alter their perceived dimensions. It details how to measure and depict these proportions accurately, referencing specific illustrations. Additionally, it explains the division of the foot into three parts and compares the toes' proportions to those of the fingers.

Image of Original Page
English Translation of this page:

93

Here by ac, fig. 2, and according to the proportions we have just indicated; then one gives the mass of the fingers, represented here by cb, then that of the thumb and wrist. Finally, figure 3 represents the mass of figure 1.

When a hand is viewed from inside, the proportions are the same as those of the hand viewed from above, except that, in this position, the fingers appear shorter.

When the hand is viewed in profile, it appears less wide than the hand seen from the front. The greatest width of the hand viewed in profile is equal to one part, here, fig. 4, CD is equal to SY of the scale ST. The width of the wrist is equal to three-quarters of a part. Here AB equals Yp on the same scale. The other proportions are similar to those of the hand viewed from the front. Figure 5 represents the mass of figure 4, as it should be drawn first.

When the hand is seen from three-quarters, the proportions change a bit. In this position, the wrist appears to match in width the four-fifths of a part. Here, fig. 6, CD equals BC, that is to say the four-fifths of a part taken on scale AB. As for the width of the hand at the point where the fingers attach, it should be compared with the wrist; for this width varies depending on how much the hand is turned. The greatest width of the thumb, seen from the front, is equal to a third of a part, here, fig. 6, 6a equals Ah. This hand should be modeled like the hand represented by figure 7. The hand represented by figure 8 is seen from a wide three-quarters. In this position, the wrist seems to have nearly one part. The hand appears a little less wide than the hand viewed from the front; the index finger appears a bit thicker at its base; the other proportions are similar to those of the hand seen from the front.

This hand should always be modeled in the same manner as the hands figs. 2, 5, and 7.

II. Proportions of the Feet.

It is already known that the length of the foot is equal to the height of the head.

The foot, like the hand, is composed of two parts which do not have the same proportional relationships as the two parts of the hand; namely: the foot proper, or the arch of the foot, and the toes or the fingers of the foot.

The foot is divided into three equal parts, namely: one-third for the length of the heel, one-third for the underside of the arch, and one-third for the toes. Here, plate 27, fig. 1, the scale AB is equal to the height of a head; the foot CF is equal to AB; EF, the length of the heel, occupies one-third of the full length CF; DE occupies the second third, and CD the third.

The big toe, like that of the hand, has only two phalanges (see fig. 6); the length of these two phalanges is equal to a quarter of the scale or to one part of the head. When you lift it on tiptoe, like those shown in figs. 3, 2, and 4, the foot forms an angle; it is agreed that the summit of this angle is found opposite the joint of the first phalanx of the toe with the first bone of the foot (metatarsals); but, due to the size of this bone and the thickness of the flesh beneath, the summit of this angle is further away, as seen here at points D, fig. 2 and 3, hence it follows that the folded part that rests is just one-third of the length of the foot.

The foot viewed from the other profile, like the one represented here, fig. 5, is also divided into three parts, one for the toes, the second for the underside of the arch which, on this side, is curved in the opposite direction of the one shown by figure 1, and rests on its entire surface when the foot rests on a flat body, and finally the third, for the heel.

The toes of the foot are unequal like those of the hand.

The big toe is much larger than the other toes; the second toe is a little longer than the big toe; the third is very slightly shorter than the second; the fourth is a little shorter than the third; but the fifth is much smaller and shorter than the others: it comes at most to the level with the last joint of the big toe.

25