The text discusses the concept of composite balance, using Hercules and Antaeus as an example of counterbalance in carrying a load. It then explores the proud and sublime nature of athletes' movements, referencing depictions by Virgil. The imagery of Dares in a battle stance illustrates the physicality and grandeur of such figures.
THEORY
The composite balance refers to the posture of a man carrying a load, supported by various movements. This is exemplified in figure 3 of this same plate, depicting Hercules suffocating Antaeus. After lifting him off the ground and pressing him against his chest, he must counterbalance the weight of his own limbs behind the central line of both feet, as the enormous weight center of Antaeus lies in front of this same central line of the feet. Leonardo da Vinci, chapter 263.
About Athletes.
The gait of athletes is more proud and sublime than that of other men. Virgil presents admirable depictions of this in the fifth book of the Aeneid. See the figures of Dares and Entellus, marked A & B, on plate 22.
Thus does Dares first raise his proud head to the battle,
Displays wide shoulders, and alternately throws out
Stretching arms and strikes the air with repeated blows.
Thus, Dares, lifting his proud head, advances boldly into the arena and is the first to present himself for combat. He reveals his broad shoulders, extends his strong arms, and, moving them alternately, strikes the air with repeated blows.