Principles

This book on anatomy for painters, released by Tortebat, in a large folio volume, we believe to be sufficient for fulfilling this purpose; we have not deemed it necessary to discuss it here to avoid redundancy. The student can study the abbreviated human anatomy in this text, with a large depiction of the skeleton from three views: the flayed figure is similarly represented, with reference letters for the accompanying explanatory text. The benefit of this study will lead the student to draw from sculpted models and then from life, with knowledge and discernment, giving all his works a sense of realism.

The main ancient sculptures we know of are the Farnese Hercules, Antinous, the Apollo, Venus de' Medici, the Laocoön, the Torso, etc., and many others that offer artists the means to understand beautiful forms and the elegance of proportions. They are detailed in the book titled: "Method for Learning Design," by Charles-Antoine Jombert, printed in quarto, 1755, chapter V, page 75 and following. Since the eager young student cannot excuse himself from adding the reading of this book to the current one, we shall refrain from discussing it further. We will merely observe that these masterpieces of antiquity are all the more precious as their creators, in forming them, have corrected the very defects of nature. We will add that, through the beauty of their choice, these figures each present such a beautiful character, combined with so much grace, elegance, and perfection, that it would be impossible to find their equal.

Translation Notes: "écorché" refers to anatomical illustrations or models showing muscles without skin, often used in teaching anatomy.