The two feet, positioned upright under the middle of the chest between the two clavicles, or along the vertical line FG, ensure that the body's weight is evenly distributed.

If, on the other hand, the figure is slanted, meaning it leans almost entirely on one leg, as shown in fig. 2, plate 22—a position frequently encountered— the body tilts towards the supporting leg, so that the center of gravity lies midway along the supporting leg. Here, in fig. 2, plate 22, point B is directly below point A. Habit often renders these movements involuntary; however, if you endeavor the following experiment, you will easily understand our demonstration.

Lean against a wall, with your heels and head touching it. Support yourself on your heels since the center of gravity is located at the heel, the middle of the foot, and the tip of the foot. Extend your arms forward: you will immediately fall forward because the wall prevents you from leaning back to establish balance with the weight of your arms.

The same experiment can be repeated, providing clearer evidence by lifting with outstretched arms, a weight of a few pounds. Next, place yourself in the middle of the room, lift a slightly heavy object, your body upright, and you will be compelled to lean back to regain balance.

If you carry a burden in front of you, you are obliged to lean backward. If the burden is on your back, you are forced to lean forward. If you lift a slightly heavy object with your right hand, you must lean to the left as accurately as the weight is heavy, etc.

Refer to the figures of plate 32. The first pose is on the tip of the right foot; the center of gravity is at point D, directly below point C, roughly at the body's midsection, as balance is maintained by the left leg and raised right arm.

This figure positioned on the right foot: the center of gravity is at point D, directly below point C, with balance established by the left leg and raised right arm.

Finally, figure 3 also stands on the right foot; its center of gravity resides at point D, below point C, the chest's midsection.

Figure 2, plate 22, stands on the left foot; further, the raised right arm shifts the body slightly to the left, and the center of gravity is at point B, mid-leg supporting the body.

Figure 3 relies more on the tip of the right foot than on the heel: the raised arm shifts the body slightly backward, and the center of gravity is located at point B, below point A.

It is crucial to accurately understand the center of gravity of a figure that one draws; for it often happens that, through neglect, one creates figures that would appear likely to fall to an observant viewer.

The size of the figure being determined by two points, it is easy to raise a vertical line that will pass through the center of the supporting leg and at the same time through the middle of the chest at the two clavicles. The center of gravity extends along this line.

III. METHOD OF DRAWING THE MASS OF A FIGURE, AFTER NATURE OR AFTER A MODEL.

The height of the figure is determined by a vertical line, represented here plate A¹⁄₄, fig. 1, by the vertical line DC, from points D and C drawn horizontal lines. On the extension of line D, a vertical line represented here by AB is raised. AB equals CD. This vertical AB, divided into eight equal parts, serves as a scale of proportions for the figure.

Through a point represented here by T, the vertical depicted here by DC is divided into two equal parts, giving CT for the body and TD for the thighs and legs.

Here fig. 1 does not have eight heads taken in a straight line; because, in this position, the vertebral column exhibits sinuosities, and following these curves with a compass, one would find the eight heads. For this reason, the scale AB appears taller than the figure.