The text discusses the varying sizes of statues, attributing smaller sizes to practicality and larger ones to the magnificence or dignity of the person represented. It cites Homer and Virgil, illustrating how grandeur was conveyed in ancient art and literature. The passage also references an example involving the Goddess Pallas and Ulysses, indicating the symbolic use of statues and monuments to honor notable figures.
ON THE HUMAN FIGURE,
Statues are said to be smaller when their height is reduced to half the ordinary size of the human figure. Those called very small are only a quarter of that same height.
Here, it seems to me, is the reason for this diversity in the size of statues. The value of the material or the ease of transport caused the smaller ones: the magnificence or the dignity of the person one wanted to represent led some to be raised to a height of a hundred cubits or more. Isn't it only fair that those who dominated others during their life by their courage, or by the dignity of their roles, should also excel after their death over common men through the greatness and excellence of the monuments erected to them? This is what Homer wants to convey with the following verses, when he depicts the Goddess Pallas adorning Ulysses with a rich garment.
Olli multiplicem ex humeris Tritonia pallam
Componens, auxit corpus, latamque juventam (1).
The Goddess Pallas putting a cloak with broad folds on his shoulders increases the majesty of his body, and seems to rejuvenate him; and adds shortly after: as if he appeared already admitted among the number of the Gods. Virgil found an equally felicitous expression in the painting depicting Dido's astonishment,
(1) These verses are taken from a translation of the first two books of the Iliad into Latin verse, made by Camerarius, in-quarto, printed in Strasbourg in 1538.
Translation Notes:
Cubit: An ancient measure of length, approximately the length of a forearm.