The text discusses the proportional differences between figures seen from the back and front, stressing how the ideal beauty proportions can vary due to foreshortening. The document also compares the physical proportions of men and women, noting that while heights are similar, widths vary slightly, with men generally having longer waists. The passage provides a detailed explanation of comparing parts of the body in terms of head lengths for better artistic accuracy.
Proportions of a Figure Seen from the Back.
The proportions of a figure seen from the back are almost the same as those of a figure seen from the front. The bottom of the shoulder blades is at the level of the pectorals. Here, in figure 3, from the top of the head to point D, there are two heads, which is the same distance as from point C to point F in figure 1. From point A to point E, figure 3, there is one head length: thus, point B is at the level of the navel. The only difference here is that the torso extends lower; consequently, the thigh appears shorter by about one and a half parts. If this figure were seen from the front, the torso would end at the level of the point represented here by F. The leg seen from behind is also two head lengths. Here, G B equals two heads. The widths are the same as in figure 1.
The proportions we have indicated are based on the ideal beauty; however, it is difficult and even impossible to follow them exactly, as there are foreshortenings, and when a limb is seen in foreshortening, it no longer appears in the same proportions.
For example, in figure 1, the thigh ZP appears much shorter than the thigh RU, although these two thighs are actually the same length. But the thigh RY is seen in foreshortening: we suppose it is lifted as if the person were sitting. This thigh is in the same position as the one represented in figure 4.
Another example: the leg ZV, fig. 1, is as long as the two legs that are fully straightened. However, the first leg being raised as if the person was kneeling is seen in foreshortening. Arm ML, fig. 2, is actually as long as arm MGF; but the first moves away from the body, comes forward, and undergoes a very pronounced foreshortening.
When a part of the body is seen in foreshortening, one should compare, on the drawing board, this part with those seen geometrically. For example, by comparing the length of leg A B, fig. 4, with the height of the torso, the length of thigh AC, which is the same as thigh Y F, the axis of the length of the leg; the length of leg 2V with the height of the chest. One will also compare arm length ML, fig. 3, with the head or width AB; then length 2V with length H. Afterwards, compare the length of the hand with the forearm and arm ML. The same comparison would apply for arm LN, fig. 3.
Also compare the total length of the arm and hand KH, fig. 3, with the width of the back; leg length ab or cd, fig. 5, with the height of the chest GF, fig. 3.
Proportions of a Woman.
The proportions of a woman are the same as those of a man, for heights; the widths differ slightly.
Women, pl. xxvii, generally have a wide top of the chest and a narrow bottom; in men, the chest is rather narrow at the top and wider at the bottom than in women. As a result, in women, the narrowest part of the waist is higher than in men; thus, men have a longer waist than women. In women, the narrowest part of the waist (seen from the front) is only one head in diameter. A very slender woman may not even have a head's length at this point. Men have up to one and a quarter head lengths.
Translation Notes:
1. "Beau idéal": The "ideal beauty" concept refers to a set of aesthetic criteria that are considered universally beautiful or harmonious.
2. "Foreshortening": This is an artistic technique used to depict an object or figure in a picture in depth.