The text discusses the representation of the human figure, comparing the geometric principles that govern the depiction of males and females. It emphasizes modesty and propriety in the portrayal of women, citing Leonardo da Vinci. Additionally, it includes comparisons between the features of humans and horses, like the nose and mouth.
Of the Human Figure
Whether standing or sitting, his legs and feet are always spaced apart from each other.
One observes that the same figure does not dominate in actions and in the form of the limbs; for the pyramid corresponds to all that constitutes man, as all his upper parts are wider than the lower ones, like the shoulders, back, chest, etc. But the cube governs his actions. On the contrary, the oval shape governs the figure of a woman, because roundness and elongation are noticed in all her members: yet the pyramid governs her actions, as has just been noted.
Women should be represented in restrained actions full of modesty, with knees together, arms gathered, head humbly inclined, and slightly to the side. Leonardo da Vinci, chapter LXIV.
For women and young people, it is not proper to be in actions with legs spaced too far apart, because this stance appears haggard and too bold: instead, legs and thighs that are drawn together speak of modesty. Leonardo da Vinci, chapter CCLIX.
On plate XXXIX, it is seen that the beauty of the human nose is imitated from that of the horse, which is straight and stretched, very little fleshy, and whose bones are tight: the nostril is also large, long, round, and very open in both.
On plate XL, a comparison is made between the human mouth and that of the horse: it is seen there.