The text discusses the principles of depicting the human figure, emphasizing the need to imitate nature just as the ancients did. An approval note confirms the manuscript titled "Theory of the Human Figure," suggesting it is suitable for printing. It mentions a 'Privilege of the King' for publishing the work, and two poetic expressions discussing the concept of straight and curved lines.
OF THE HUMAN FIGURE.
[...] pursue the aim. Just as in the large number of lines that can be drawn from one point to another, there is only one straight line, all the others are more or less curved depending on how much they deviate. To ensure this, one must imitate beautiful nature, as the ancients practiced, and make a happy choice according to the subject one intends to represent.
The forest of errors is vast,
The paths are many, but the end of acting well is one.
The straight line is like the only one, and a thousand curves.
But according to the ancients you must imitate beautiful nature,
Such as the form of the thing itself and the object require.
END.
APPROVAL.
I have read by order of the Chancellor a manuscript titled: Theory of the Human Figure, with forty-four plates; it contains nothing that seems to me to prevent its printing. In Paris, this 3rd of July 1773. LE BEGUE DE PRESLE.
PRIVILEGE OF THE KING.
LOUIS, by the grace of God, King of France and of Navarre: To our dear and loyal counselors holding our Parliamentary Courts, Masters of the Ordinary Requests of our Hotel, Superior Councils, Provost of Paris, Bailiffs, Seneschals, their Civil Lieutenants, and other Justices to whom it may belong: GREETINGS. Our dear Sir JOMBERT, father, has made a case to us that he wishes to print and give to the public a work entitled: Theory of the Human Figure; Reasoned Catalog of the Work of