[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] If there is one admirable science in which a reasonable and learned painter should least be found ignorant, he should at least not lack any principle of the Anatomy: because besides the unquestionable use that all the main sciences receive from it, with regards to the general Art of Painting an absolute law that obliges, without any disguise or palliation, all Draughtsmen, Painters, Sculptors, Casters, and those who want to talk wisely about these Artworks; {Anatomy is very useful to the Painters.} to have a profound knowledge of the true Beauty of human figures: and how the balanced Proportion should be applied for the use of body parts; such that they will be moved appropriately in the movement that is necessary for the actions and for the visible expression of the passions. Like the knowledge of the external posture and ligaments of the bones […] We dare to boldly add, that an Artist who finds himself at once lacking and confounded in this, cannot have the smallest base, on which he can claim to be a great master in the Art of Painting, just as he cannot have any capacity to speak judiciously of the posture or true beauty of figures.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] If there is one admirable science in which a reasonable and learned painter should least be found ignorant, he should at least not lack any principle of the Anatomy: because besides the unquestionable use that all the main sciences receive from it, with regards to the general Art of Painting an absolute law that obliges, without any disguise or palliation, all Draughtsmen, Painters, Sculptors, Casters, and those who want to talk wisely about these Artworks; {Anatomy is very useful to the Painters.} to have a profound knowledge of the true Beauty of human figures: and how the balanced Proportion should be applied for the use of body parts; such that they will be moved appropriately in the movement that is necessary for the actions and for the visible expression of the passions. Like the knowledge of the external posture and ligaments of the bones […] We dare to boldly add, that an Artist who finds himself at once lacking and confounded in this, cannot have the smallest base, on which he can claim to be a great master in the Art of Painting, just as he cannot have any capacity to speak judiciously of the posture or true beauty of figures.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] If there is one admirable science in which a reasonable and learned painter should least be found ignorant, he should at least not lack any principle of the Anatomy: because besides the unquestionable use that all the main sciences receive from it, with regards to the general Art of Painting an absolute law that obliges, without any disguise or palliation, all Draughtsmen, Painters, Sculptors, Casters, and those who want to talk wisely about these Artworks; {Anatomy is very useful to the Painters.} to have a profound knowledge of the true Beauty of human figures: and how the balanced Proportion should be applied for the use of body parts; such that they will be moved appropriately in the movement that is necessary for the actions and for the visible expression of the passions. Like the knowledge of the external posture and ligaments of the bones […] We dare to boldly add, that an Artist who finds himself at once lacking and confounded in this, cannot have the smallest base, on which he can claim to be a great master in the Art of Painting, just as he cannot have any capacity to speak judiciously of the posture or true beauty of figures.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] If there is one admirable science in which a reasonable and learned painter should least be found ignorant, he should at least not lack any principle of the Anatomy: because besides the unquestionable use that all the main sciences receive from it, with regards to the general Art of Painting an absolute law that obliges, without any disguise or palliation, all Draughtsmen, Painters, Sculptors, Casters, and those who want to talk wisely about these Artworks; {Anatomy is very useful to the Painters.} to have a profound knowledge of the true Beauty of human figures: and how the balanced Proportion should be applied for the use of body parts; such that they will be moved appropriately in the movement that is necessary for the actions and for the visible expression of the passions. Like the knowledge of the external posture and ligaments of the bones […] We dare to boldly add, that an Artist who finds himself at once lacking and confounded in this, cannot have the smallest base, on which he can claim to be a great master in the Art of Painting, just as he cannot have any capacity to speak judiciously of the posture or true beauty of figures.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] If there is one admirable science in which a reasonable and learned painter should least be found ignorant, he should at least not lack any principle of the Anatomy: because besides the unquestionable use that all the main sciences receive from it, with regards to the general Art of Painting an absolute law that obliges, without any disguise or palliation, all Draughtsmen, Painters, Sculptors, Casters, and those who want to talk wisely about these Artworks; {Anatomy is very useful to the Painters.} to have a profound knowledge of the true Beauty of human figures: and how the balanced Proportion should be applied for the use of body parts; such that they will be moved appropriately in the movement that is necessary for the actions and for the visible expression of the passions. Like the knowledge of the external posture and ligaments of the bones […] We dare to boldly add, that an Artist who finds himself at once lacking and confounded in this, cannot have the smallest base, on which he can claim to be a great master in the Art of Painting, just as he cannot have any capacity to speak judiciously of the posture or true beauty of figures.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When we want to retrace, on what ground and for wat reason the Art of Painting and Sculpting has once been elevated so highly from wisdom amongst the Greek and Romans, we should truly find that it was only the knowledge of Anatomy, which the antique painters and sculptors had carefully connected to the handling of their brush and chisel:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When we want to retrace, on what ground and for wat reason the Art of Painting and Sculpting has once been elevated so highly from wisdom amongst the Greek and Romans, we should truly find that it was only the knowledge of Anatomy, which the antique painters and sculptors had carefully connected to the handling of their brush and chisel:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As such some [ndr: painters] cannot cope too well that they want to prescribe precise rules to them, to learn to execute all the external and internal parts, in relation to the changing events of human actions and undertakings, yes to the expression of the passions and emotions even; In order for them to not only show painted, but also speaking, moving, working and thinking figures in their Paintings: and especially some of little vision cannot comprehend that one would want to present this from the Anatomy in the sense of the knowledge of dissection.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As such some [ndr: painters] cannot cope too well that they want to prescribe precise rules to them, to learn to execute all the external and internal parts, in relation to the changing events of human actions and undertakings, yes to the expression of the passions and emotions even; In order for them to not only show painted, but also speaking, moving, working and thinking figures in their Paintings: and especially some of little vision cannot comprehend that one would want to present this from the Anatomy in the sense of the knowledge of dissection.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As such some [ndr: painters] cannot cope too well that they want to prescribe precise rules to them, to learn to execute all the external and internal parts, in relation to the changing events of human actions and undertakings, yes to the expression of the passions and emotions even; In order for them to not only show painted, but also speaking, moving, working and thinking figures in their Paintings: and especially some of little vision cannot comprehend that one would want to present this from the Anatomy in the sense of the knowledge of dissection.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As such some [ndr: painters] cannot cope too well that they want to prescribe precise rules to them, to learn to execute all the external and internal parts, in relation to the changing events of human actions and undertakings, yes to the expression of the passions and emotions even; In order for them to not only show painted, but also speaking, moving, working and thinking figures in their Paintings: and especially some of little vision cannot comprehend that one would want to present this from the Anatomy in the sense of the knowledge of dissection.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As such some [ndr: painters] cannot cope too well that they want to prescribe precise rules to them, to learn to execute all the external and internal parts, in relation to the changing events of human actions and undertakings, yes to the expression of the passions and emotions even; In order for them to not only show painted, but also speaking, moving, working and thinking figures in their Paintings: and especially some of little vision cannot comprehend that one would want to present this from the Anatomy in the sense of the knowledge of dissection.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As such some [ndr: painters] cannot cope too well that they want to prescribe precise rules to them, to learn to execute all the external and internal parts, in relation to the changing events of human actions and undertakings, yes to the expression of the passions and emotions even; In order for them to not only show painted, but also speaking, moving, working and thinking figures in their Paintings: and especially some of little vision cannot comprehend that one would want to present this from the Anatomy in the sense of the knowledge of dissection.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As such some [ndr: painters] cannot cope too well that they want to prescribe precise rules to them, to learn to execute all the external and internal parts, in relation to the changing events of human actions and undertakings, yes to the expression of the passions and emotions even; In order for them to not only show painted, but also speaking, moving, working and thinking figures in their Paintings: and especially some of little vision cannot comprehend that one would want to present this from the Anatomy in the sense of the knowledge of dissection.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As such some [ndr: painters] cannot cope too well that they want to prescribe precise rules to them, to learn to execute all the external and internal parts, in relation to the changing events of human actions and undertakings, yes to the expression of the passions and emotions even; In order for them to not only show painted, but also speaking, moving, working and thinking figures in their Paintings: and especially some of little vision cannot comprehend that one would want to present this from the Anatomy in the sense of the knowledge of dissection.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason, to not scare the shy minds, we would rather throw away the hateful and un-picturesque term Anatomie and prefer to call this useful science with the softer term Menschkunde; although the first term has already become appraised and common amongst the painterly art terms. What the rest is concerned, we answer that, although besides the botchers even some of the famous masters of the previous centuries were not completely void of the aforementioned mistake and sometimes made Nudes in which the muscles are not with a soft doubtful draught nor with a firm fleshiness, nor with plumpness, nor safe relaxation, nor complete tension or obediently working juiciness, but that appear to be cobbled together like blotches and slabs, one should not so much deduct the misguidance of some of those great Minds from the too profound knowledge of muscles, but rather coming from this, that although they walk the righteous path, they have possibly not gone deep enough into it, not having been able to satisfactorily combine their profound knowledge with the gracefulness of life and beauty.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason, to not scare the shy minds, we would rather throw away the hateful and un-picturesque term Anatomie and prefer to call this useful science with the softer term Menschkunde; although the first term has already become appraised and common amongst the painterly art terms. What the rest is concerned, we answer that, although besides the botchers even some of the famous masters of the previous centuries were not completely void of the aforementioned mistake and sometimes made Nudes in which the muscles are not with a soft doubtful draught nor with a firm fleshiness, nor with plumpness, nor safe relaxation, nor complete tension or obediently working juiciness, but that appear to be cobbled together like blotches and slabs, one should not so much deduct the misguidance of some of those great Minds from the too profound knowledge of muscles, but rather coming from this, that although they walk the righteous path, they have possibly not gone deep enough into it, not having been able to satisfactorily combine their profound knowledge with the gracefulness of life and beauty.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason, to not scare the shy minds, we would rather throw away the hateful and un-picturesque term Anatomie and prefer to call this useful science with the softer term Menschkunde; although the first term has already become appraised and common amongst the painterly art terms. What the rest is concerned, we answer that, although besides the botchers even some of the famous masters of the previous centuries were not completely void of the aforementioned mistake and sometimes made Nudes in which the muscles are not with a soft doubtful draught nor with a firm fleshiness, nor with plumpness, nor safe relaxation, nor complete tension or obediently working juiciness, but that appear to be cobbled together like blotches and slabs, one should not so much deduct the misguidance of some of those great Minds from the too profound knowledge of muscles, but rather coming from this, that although they walk the righteous path, they have possibly not gone deep enough into it, not having been able to satisfactorily combine their profound knowledge with the gracefulness of life and beauty.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason, to not scare the shy minds, we would rather throw away the hateful and un-picturesque term Anatomie and prefer to call this useful science with the softer term Menschkunde; although the first term has already become appraised and common amongst the painterly art terms. What the rest is concerned, we answer that, although besides the botchers even some of the famous masters of the previous centuries were not completely void of the aforementioned mistake and sometimes made Nudes in which the muscles are not with a soft doubtful draught nor with a firm fleshiness, nor with plumpness, nor safe relaxation, nor complete tension or obediently working juiciness, but that appear to be cobbled together like blotches and slabs, one should not so much deduct the misguidance of some of those great Minds from the too profound knowledge of muscles, but rather coming from this, that although they walk the righteous path, they have possibly not gone deep enough into it, not having been able to satisfactorily combine their profound knowledge with the gracefulness of life and beauty.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason, to not scare the shy minds, we would rather throw away the hateful and un-picturesque term Anatomie and prefer to call this useful science with the softer term Menschkunde; although the first term has already become appraised and common amongst the painterly art terms. What the rest is concerned, we answer that, although besides the botchers even some of the famous masters of the previous centuries were not completely void of the aforementioned mistake and sometimes made Nudes in which the muscles are not with a soft doubtful draught nor with a firm fleshiness, nor with plumpness, nor safe relaxation, nor complete tension or obediently working juiciness, but that appear to be cobbled together like blotches and slabs, one should not so much deduct the misguidance of some of those great Minds from the too profound knowledge of muscles, but rather coming from this, that although they walk the righteous path, they have possibly not gone deep enough into it, not having been able to satisfactorily combine their profound knowledge with the gracefulness of life and beauty.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason, to not scare the shy minds, we would rather throw away the hateful and un-picturesque term Anatomie and prefer to call this useful science with the softer term Menschkunde; although the first term has already become appraised and common amongst the painterly art terms. What the rest is concerned, we answer that, although besides the botchers even some of the famous masters of the previous centuries were not completely void of the aforementioned mistake and sometimes made Nudes in which the muscles are not with a soft doubtful draught nor with a firm fleshiness, nor with plumpness, nor safe relaxation, nor complete tension or obediently working juiciness, but that appear to be cobbled together like blotches and slabs, one should not so much deduct the misguidance of some of those great Minds from the too profound knowledge of muscles, but rather coming from this, that although they walk the righteous path, they have possibly not gone deep enough into it, not having been able to satisfactorily combine their profound knowledge with the gracefulness of life and beauty.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason, to not scare the shy minds, we would rather throw away the hateful and un-picturesque term Anatomie and prefer to call this useful science with the softer term Menschkunde; although the first term has already become appraised and common amongst the painterly art terms. What the rest is concerned, we answer that, although besides the botchers even some of the famous masters of the previous centuries were not completely void of the aforementioned mistake and sometimes made Nudes in which the muscles are not with a soft doubtful draught nor with a firm fleshiness, nor with plumpness, nor safe relaxation, nor complete tension or obediently working juiciness, but that appear to be cobbled together like blotches and slabs, one should not so much deduct the misguidance of some of those great Minds from the too profound knowledge of muscles, but rather coming from this, that although they walk the righteous path, they have possibly not gone deep enough into it, not having been able to satisfactorily combine their profound knowledge with the gracefulness of life and beauty.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason, to not scare the shy minds, we would rather throw away the hateful and un-picturesque term Anatomie and prefer to call this useful science with the softer term Menschkunde; although the first term has already become appraised and common amongst the painterly art terms. What the rest is concerned, we answer that, although besides the botchers even some of the famous masters of the previous centuries were not completely void of the aforementioned mistake and sometimes made Nudes in which the muscles are not with a soft doubtful draught nor with a firm fleshiness, nor with plumpness, nor safe relaxation, nor complete tension or obediently working juiciness, but that appear to be cobbled together like blotches and slabs, one should not so much deduct the misguidance of some of those great Minds from the too profound knowledge of muscles, but rather coming from this, that although they walk the righteous path, they have possibly not gone deep enough into it, not having been able to satisfactorily combine their profound knowledge with the gracefulness of life and beauty.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason, to not scare the shy minds, we would rather throw away the hateful and un-picturesque term Anatomie and prefer to call this useful science with the softer term Menschkunde; although the first term has already become appraised and common amongst the painterly art terms. What the rest is concerned, we answer that, although besides the botchers even some of the famous masters of the previous centuries were not completely void of the aforementioned mistake and sometimes made Nudes in which the muscles are not with a soft doubtful draught nor with a firm fleshiness, nor with plumpness, nor safe relaxation, nor complete tension or obediently working juiciness, but that appear to be cobbled together like blotches and slabs, one should not so much deduct the misguidance of some of those great Minds from the too profound knowledge of muscles, but rather coming from this, that although they walk the righteous path, they have possibly not gone deep enough into it, not having been able to satisfactorily combine their profound knowledge with the gracefulness of life and beauty.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] For this reason, to not scare the shy minds, we would rather throw away the hateful and un-picturesque term Anatomie and prefer to call this useful science with the softer term Menschkunde; although the first term has already become appraised and common amongst the painterly art terms. What the rest is concerned, we answer that, although besides the botchers even some of the famous masters of the previous centuries were not completely void of the aforementioned mistake and sometimes made Nudes in which the muscles are not with a soft doubtful draught nor with a firm fleshiness, nor with plumpness, nor safe relaxation, nor complete tension or obediently working juiciness, but that appear to be cobbled together like blotches and slabs, one should not so much deduct the misguidance of some of those great Minds from the too profound knowledge of muscles, but rather coming from this, that although they walk the righteous path, they have possibly not gone deep enough into it, not having been able to satisfactorily combine their profound knowledge with the gracefulness of life and beauty.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as such it has happened that sometimes Fashions have risen in the Art of Painting, {Fashions in the Art of Painting.} that were almost commonly established: amongst which may be counted the manner of cramped human figures, that one called Sprangers Greepjes. Like one can furthermore discern in the age of idiots of the Art of Painting and the life of famous masters.

SPRANGER, Bartholomeus

Goeree shows an awareness of a development in Painting. In this case he dismisses the exaggerated musculature in the work of Bartholomeus Spranger and his contemporaries, calling this period (Manierism) ‘the age of idiots’. He repeats his dismissal of Spranger’s style on page 249 and has a comparable judgement of Hendrick Goltzius (Hoofdstuk XI, p. 405-406). [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] In the period when some Masters overestimated themselves in the Anatomy and some failed, some have behaved themselves much more modestly, as their works and prints demonstrate. {What some master have done to XX [ndr: illegible] the decayed Anatomy.} People testify that the Florentine Painter Dello was the first under the modern [ndr: artists], who started to portray the muscles with an intelligent judgement according to the actions and movements. Likewise it was said about the painter Rosso that he systematically exhumed the dead and made an Anatomy out of them with great diligence. Certainly, he who, for the general practice and observation of examples, besides the frequent Drawing of Academy-figures, can also find the opportunity to observe the dissection of the dead body of a man, or do such a thing himself in a decent way, he has the means to penetrate the artful invention of the biggest masterpiece of creation with observation, and to bring that which he sees here after life in a dead corpse into the rules of his art.

DELLO (unidentified)
Modernes (Les)
ROSSO FIORENTINO (Giovanni Battista di Jacopo)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] In the period when some Masters overestimated themselves in the Anatomy and some failed, some have behaved themselves much more modestly, as their works and prints demonstrate. {What some master have done to XX [ndr: illegible] the decayed Anatomy.} People testify that the Florentine Painter Dello was the first under the modern [ndr: artists], who started to portray the muscles with an intelligent judgement according to the actions and movements. Likewise it was said about the painter Rosso that he systematically exhumed the dead and made an Anatomy out of them with great diligence. Certainly, he who, for the general practice and observation of examples, besides the frequent Drawing of Academy-figures, can also find the opportunity to observe the dissection of the dead body of a man, or do such a thing himself in a decent way, he has the means to penetrate the artful invention of the biggest masterpiece of creation with observation, and to bring that which he sees here after life in a dead corpse into the rules of his art.

DELLO (unidentified)
Modernes (Les)
ROSSO FIORENTINO (Giovanni Battista di Jacopo)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] In the period when some Masters overestimated themselves in the Anatomy and some failed, some have behaved themselves much more modestly, as their works and prints demonstrate. {What some master have done to XX [ndr: illegible] the decayed Anatomy.} People testify that the Florentine Painter Dello was the first under the modern [ndr: artists], who started to portray the muscles with an intelligent judgement according to the actions and movements. Likewise it was said about the painter Rosso that he systematically exhumed the dead and made an Anatomy out of them with great diligence. Certainly, he who, for the general practice and observation of examples, besides the frequent Drawing of Academy-figures, can also find the opportunity to observe the dissection of the dead body of a man, or do such a thing himself in a decent way, he has the means to penetrate the artful invention of the biggest masterpiece of creation with observation, and to bring that which he sees here after life in a dead corpse into the rules of his art.

DELLO (unidentified)
Modernes (Les)
ROSSO FIORENTINO (Giovanni Battista di Jacopo)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] In the period when some Masters overestimated themselves in the Anatomy and some failed, some have behaved themselves much more modestly, as their works and prints demonstrate. {What some master have done to XX [ndr: illegible] the decayed Anatomy.} People testify that the Florentine Painter Dello was the first under the modern [ndr: artists], who started to portray the muscles with an intelligent judgement according to the actions and movements. Likewise it was said about the painter Rosso that he systematically exhumed the dead and made an Anatomy out of them with great diligence. Certainly, he who, for the general practice and observation of examples, besides the frequent Drawing of Academy-figures, can also find the opportunity to observe the dissection of the dead body of a man, or do such a thing himself in a decent way, he has the means to penetrate the artful invention of the biggest masterpiece of creation with observation, and to bring that which he sees here after life in a dead corpse into the rules of his art.

DELLO (unidentified)
Modernes (Les)
ROSSO FIORENTINO (Giovanni Battista di Jacopo)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] In the period when some Masters overestimated themselves in the Anatomy and some failed, some have behaved themselves much more modestly, as their works and prints demonstrate. {What some master have done to XX [ndr: illegible] the decayed Anatomy.} People testify that the Florentine Painter Dello was the first under the modern [ndr: artists], who started to portray the muscles with an intelligent judgement according to the actions and movements. Likewise it was said about the painter Rosso that he systematically exhumed the dead and made an Anatomy out of them with great diligence. Certainly, he who, for the general practice and observation of examples, besides the frequent Drawing of Academy-figures, can also find the opportunity to observe the dissection of the dead body of a man, or do such a thing himself in a decent way, he has the means to penetrate the artful invention of the biggest masterpiece of creation with observation, and to bring that which he sees here after life in a dead corpse into the rules of his art.

DELLO (unidentified)
Modernes (Les)
ROSSO FIORENTINO (Giovanni Battista di Jacopo)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] In the period when some Masters overestimated themselves in the Anatomy and some failed, some have behaved themselves much more modestly, as their works and prints demonstrate. {What some master have done to XX [ndr: illegible] the decayed Anatomy.} People testify that the Florentine Painter Dello was the first under the modern [ndr: artists], who started to portray the muscles with an intelligent judgement according to the actions and movements. Likewise it was said about the painter Rosso that he systematically exhumed the dead and made an Anatomy out of them with great diligence. Certainly, he who, for the general practice and observation of examples, besides the frequent Drawing of Academy-figures, can also find the opportunity to observe the dissection of the dead body of a man, or do such a thing himself in a decent way, he has the means to penetrate the artful invention of the biggest masterpiece of creation with observation, and to bring that which he sees here after life in a dead corpse into the rules of his art.

DELLO (unidentified)
Modernes (Les)
ROSSO FIORENTINO (Giovanni Battista di Jacopo)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] In the period when some Masters overestimated themselves in the Anatomy and some failed, some have behaved themselves much more modestly, as their works and prints demonstrate. {What some master have done to XX [ndr: illegible] the decayed Anatomy.} People testify that the Florentine Painter Dello was the first under the modern [ndr: artists], who started to portray the muscles with an intelligent judgement according to the actions and movements. Likewise it was said about the painter Rosso that he systematically exhumed the dead and made an Anatomy out of them with great diligence. Certainly, he who, for the general practice and observation of examples, besides the frequent Drawing of Academy-figures, can also find the opportunity to observe the dissection of the dead body of a man, or do such a thing himself in a decent way, he has the means to penetrate the artful invention of the biggest masterpiece of creation with observation, and to bring that which he sees here after life in a dead corpse into the rules of his art.

DELLO (unidentified)
Modernes (Les)
ROSSO FIORENTINO (Giovanni Battista di Jacopo)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] In the period when some Masters overestimated themselves in the Anatomy and some failed, some have behaved themselves much more modestly, as their works and prints demonstrate. {What some master have done to XX [ndr: illegible] the decayed Anatomy.} People testify that the Florentine Painter Dello was the first under the modern [ndr: artists], who started to portray the muscles with an intelligent judgement according to the actions and movements. Likewise it was said about the painter Rosso that he systematically exhumed the dead and made an Anatomy out of them with great diligence. Certainly, he who, for the general practice and observation of examples, besides the frequent Drawing of Academy-figures, can also find the opportunity to observe the dissection of the dead body of a man, or do such a thing himself in a decent way, he has the means to penetrate the artful invention of the biggest masterpiece of creation with observation, and to bring that which he sees here after life in a dead corpse into the rules of his art.

DELLO (unidentified)
Modernes (Les)
ROSSO FIORENTINO (Giovanni Battista di Jacopo)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Certainly, a painter who knows nothing but how to imitate the naked contours of beautiful parts and the muscles of the sculpted figures in their design and appearance, will feel very embarrassed when he has to arrange some figures after a certain concept, in order to see the required function and not some other. Yes he will find himself completely incapable in the Anatomy, if he would only draw Academy figures in the Colleges; as he is unable to perceive by which master moving muscles and parts his imagined figure does in real life; so that he could observe this carefully, and imitating it well, to give it to his figure as well, to ascertain that the action of his drawing coincides well with that of his model. Because since the muscles can have an endless amount of different shapes, following the countless differences of actions; which can impossibly be learned from Statues or Sculptures, because in every examples but one and a specific case is show: and it naturally follows that in the general Art of Painting, one should not only understand what every muscles does in such an action, but to what extent and shape and subordination he does it; and when it does it more or less great or enjoyable: because one has to note that every specific action or movement does not only have its own muscle or muscles, to make this or that limb bend, straighten, pull up, turn in or out or in another direction and keep it up, but that this happens through manifold coincidental steps.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] It was also easy for those wise experts of Anatomy to think that, while the bad little masters and botchers tended to hide the lack of movement and flaws of their figures under the adornment of clothing and richly pleated drapery, and mislead the eye of the common people, they would receive the greatest honour from the Connoisseurs and spectators of the human body, with their well conceived Figures, who could be tested to the naked truth without any disguise: and that they would therefore be able to survive the other works from that and later times.

Goeree qualifies the use of too much drapery (kleding, draperie) to cover up the body as a sign of a bad or mediocre painter (meestertje, knoyer). [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] It was also easy for those wise experts of Anatomy to think that, while the bad little masters and botchers tended to hide the lack of movement and flaws of their figures under the adornment of clothing and richly pleated drapery, and mislead the eye of the common people, they would receive the greatest honour from the Connoisseurs and spectators of the human body, with their well conceived Figures, who could be tested to the naked truth without any disguise: and that they would therefore be able to survive the other works from that and later times.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] It was also easy for those wise experts of Anatomy to think that, while the bad little masters and botchers tended to hide the lack of movement and flaws of their figures under the adornment of clothing and richly pleated drapery, and mislead the eye of the common people, they would receive the greatest honour from the Connoisseurs and spectators of the human body, with their well conceived Figures, who could be tested to the naked truth without any disguise: and that they would therefore be able to survive the other works from that and later times.

Goeree qualifies the use of too much drapery (kleding, draperie) to cover up the body as a sign of a bad or mediocre painter (meestertje, knoyer). [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] It was also easy for those wise experts of Anatomy to think that, while the bad little masters and botchers tended to hide the lack of movement and flaws of their figures under the adornment of clothing and richly pleated drapery, and mislead the eye of the common people, they would receive the greatest honour from the Connoisseurs and spectators of the human body, with their well conceived Figures, who could be tested to the naked truth without any disguise: and that they would therefore be able to survive the other works from that and later times.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] It was also easy for those wise experts of Anatomy to think that, while the bad little masters and botchers tended to hide the lack of movement and flaws of their figures under the adornment of clothing and richly pleated drapery, and mislead the eye of the common people, they would receive the greatest honour from the Connoisseurs and spectators of the human body, with their well conceived Figures, who could be tested to the naked truth without any disguise: and that they would therefore be able to survive the other works from that and later times.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] It was also easy for those wise experts of Anatomy to think that, while the bad little masters and botchers tended to hide the lack of movement and flaws of their figures under the adornment of clothing and richly pleated drapery, and mislead the eye of the common people, they would receive the greatest honour from the Connoisseurs and spectators of the human body, with their well conceived Figures, who could be tested to the naked truth without any disguise: and that they would therefore be able to survive the other works from that and later times.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Besides all that has been said it is also a mistake to think that one can only reach the envisioned step of true Anatomy by drawing a lot after life (and imitate it this just like it appears to us): because since one, approaching Life with unprepared eyes and senses, cannot see many things in life, because the eyes have not been opened by a special preparation, (or, if one can see them, will in that case not understand what function and action they have) as such it happens that one ruins them through incapably and uncertainly; and often see and show unmoving muscles in their uttermost power, and forcefully working [muscles, ndr.] in a common, or completely silent posture. […] Truly, Leonardo da Vinci was not completely mistaken, when he said that the painters who painted the naked figures without a profound experience of Anatomy, made nothing but the epidermis of the figures, but nothing of the figure itself, nor something that had to do with his true actions or internal mind. There was a certain wise master who did not only ask from his pupils that they would draw the muscles while they were studying them and note by writings which muscles and tendons showed or hid themselves in each limb with certain actions and movements or which did the most work or not with all; {Precise manner to understand the nature of muscles.} but he even wanted them to write about the little bodies of small children, from their birth until their full maturity and from that moment until their old age, through all the different ages and change that happens in each limb and in their assembly, which one became thicker, which fatter, which leaner; and with which difference they could be seen in one or another state or posture; which has truly instilled a great experience.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] That outstanding Teacher wanted his pupils to completely surrender themselves to the teaching of Nature and the laws of Life, without straying from it, and also without complaining and grumble against it: because a Painter may never argue that there are laws or rules in nature or in life, that are improper, hard or difficult; {A Painters should never fight against the laws of nature.} such that he would wish that they were different than they are; or that they would allow, if it were possible, that they were pushed around by him a bit. But he should observe the laws of nature as such, that they are formed as they are, only to the advantage of his art.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] That outstanding Teacher wanted his pupils to completely surrender themselves to the teaching of Nature and the laws of Life, without straying from it, and also without complaining and grumble against it: because a Painter may never argue that there are laws or rules in nature or in life, that are improper, hard or difficult; {A Painters should never fight against the laws of nature.} such that he would wish that they were different than they are; or that they would allow, if it were possible, that they were pushed around by him a bit. But he should observe the laws of nature as such, that they are formed as they are, only to the advantage of his art.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] That outstanding Teacher wanted his pupils to completely surrender themselves to the teaching of Nature and the laws of Life, without straying from it, and also without complaining and grumble against it: because a Painter may never argue that there are laws or rules in nature or in life, that are improper, hard or difficult; {A Painters should never fight against the laws of nature.} such that he would wish that they were different than they are; or that they would allow, if it were possible, that they were pushed around by him a bit. But he should observe the laws of nature as such, that they are formed as they are, only to the advantage of his art.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] That outstanding Teacher wanted his pupils to completely surrender themselves to the teaching of Nature and the laws of Life, without straying from it, and also without complaining and grumble against it: because a Painter may never argue that there are laws or rules in nature or in life, that are improper, hard or difficult; {A Painters should never fight against the laws of nature.} such that he would wish that they were different than they are; or that they would allow, if it were possible, that they were pushed around by him a bit. But he should observe the laws of nature as such, that they are formed as they are, only to the advantage of his art.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Truly the Anatomy is so commonly necessary to the Art of Painting that she should also be understood well by Portraitists and Landscape Painters. Because although many are doted on a small part that they have chosen from the art to be a master in it, as such it happens that they neglect the rest of the art of painting; and stray so far that at some point they barely know how to attach a part of a body, or a shoulder, arm or hand to the neck of a Portrait; or else to compose add a small figure in the composition.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Truly the Anatomy is so commonly necessary to the Art of Painting that she should also be understood well by Portraitists and Landscape Painters. Because although many are doted on a small part that they have chosen from the art to be a master in it, as such it happens that they neglect the rest of the art of painting; and stray so far that at some point they barely know how to attach a part of a body, or a shoulder, arm or hand to the neck of a Portrait; or else to compose add a small figure in the composition.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Truly the Anatomy is so commonly necessary to the Art of Painting that she should also be understood well by Portraitists and Landscape Painters. Because although many are doted on a small part that they have chosen from the art to be a master in it, as such it happens that they neglect the rest of the art of painting; and stray so far that at some point they barely know how to attach a part of a body, or a shoulder, arm or hand to the neck of a Portrait; or else to compose add a small figure in the composition.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And like it is somewhat acceptable, that the Examples by which one wants to teach, are free of the greatest flaws, we thought it would be good, to serve ourselves amongst others to some small models [i.e. illustrations, ndr.] that we do not owe to a minor [artist, ndr.], but to the good hand of the Great Master Painter Nicolas Poussin.

POUSSIN, Nicolas

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Of the Beauty and Gracefulness of Human figures, and of what it consists. Without any doubt it is most beneficial to the Art of Painting, to always advance the highest Beauty and perfection of the things that are depicted: Because like those created things please us most, which are beautiful and perfect, as such there is no reason left, why the imitated things should not offer the same gracefulness to the eye of the Spectator. And although one can call many things beautiful in the Paintings, that are ugly and abominable in the natural Life, yes deformed, as such one should only entrust this to the wise and elaborate imitation of the very powerful Art of Painting, and also rather call it fine and artful than beautiful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Of the Beauty and Gracefulness of Human figures, and of what it consists. Without any doubt it is most beneficial to the Art of Painting, to always advance the highest Beauty and perfection of the things that are depicted: Because like those created things please us most, which are beautiful and perfect, as such there is no reason left, why the imitated things should not offer the same gracefulness to the eye of the Spectator. And although one can call many things beautiful in the Paintings, that are ugly and abominable in the natural Life, yes deformed, as such one should only entrust this to the wise and elaborate imitation of the very powerful Art of Painting, and also rather call it fine and artful than beautiful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Of the Beauty and Gracefulness of Human figures, and of what it consists. Without any doubt it is most beneficial to the Art of Painting, to always advance the highest Beauty and perfection of the things that are depicted: Because like those created things please us most, which are beautiful and perfect, as such there is no reason left, why the imitated things should not offer the same gracefulness to the eye of the Spectator. And although one can call many things beautiful in the Paintings, that are ugly and abominable in the natural Life, yes deformed, as such one should only entrust this to the wise and elaborate imitation of the very powerful Art of Painting, and also rather call it fine and artful than beautiful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Of the Beauty and Gracefulness of Human figures, and of what it consists. Without any doubt it is most beneficial to the Art of Painting, to always advance the highest Beauty and perfection of the things that are depicted: Because like those created things please us most, which are beautiful and perfect, as such there is no reason left, why the imitated things should not offer the same gracefulness to the eye of the Spectator. And although one can call many things beautiful in the Paintings, that are ugly and abominable in the natural Life, yes deformed, as such one should only entrust this to the wise and elaborate imitation of the very powerful Art of Painting, and also rather call it fine and artful than beautiful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Of the Beauty and Gracefulness of Human figures, and of what it consists. Without any doubt it is most beneficial to the Art of Painting, to always advance the highest Beauty and perfection of the things that are depicted: Because like those created things please us most, which are beautiful and perfect, as such there is no reason left, why the imitated things should not offer the same gracefulness to the eye of the Spectator. And although one can call many things beautiful in the Paintings, that are ugly and abominable in the natural Life, yes deformed, as such one should only entrust this to the wise and elaborate imitation of the very powerful Art of Painting, and also rather call it fine and artful than beautiful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Of the Beauty and Gracefulness of Human figures, and of what it consists. Without any doubt it is most beneficial to the Art of Painting, to always advance the highest Beauty and perfection of the things that are depicted: Because like those created things please us most, which are beautiful and perfect, as such there is no reason left, why the imitated things should not offer the same gracefulness to the eye of the Spectator. And although one can call many things beautiful in the Paintings, that are ugly and abominable in the natural Life, yes deformed, as such one should only entrust this to the wise and elaborate imitation of the very powerful Art of Painting, and also rather call it fine and artful than beautiful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Of the Beauty and Gracefulness of Human figures, and of what it consists. Without any doubt it is most beneficial to the Art of Painting, to always advance the highest Beauty and perfection of the things that are depicted: Because like those created things please us most, which are beautiful and perfect, as such there is no reason left, why the imitated things should not offer the same gracefulness to the eye of the Spectator. And although one can call many things beautiful in the Paintings, that are ugly and abominable in the natural Life, yes deformed, as such one should only entrust this to the wise and elaborate imitation of the very powerful Art of Painting, and also rather call it fine and artful than beautiful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Of the Beauty and Gracefulness of Human figures, and of what it consists. Without any doubt it is most beneficial to the Art of Painting, to always advance the highest Beauty and perfection of the things that are depicted: Because like those created things please us most, which are beautiful and perfect, as such there is no reason left, why the imitated things should not offer the same gracefulness to the eye of the Spectator. And although one can call many things beautiful in the Paintings, that are ugly and abominable in the natural Life, yes deformed, as such one should only entrust this to the wise and elaborate imitation of the very powerful Art of Painting, and also rather call it fine and artful than beautiful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Of the Beauty and Gracefulness of Human figures, and of what it consists. Without any doubt it is most beneficial to the Art of Painting, to always advance the highest Beauty and perfection of the things that are depicted: Because like those created things please us most, which are beautiful and perfect, as such there is no reason left, why the imitated things should not offer the same gracefulness to the eye of the Spectator. And although one can call many things beautiful in the Paintings, that are ugly and abominable in the natural Life, yes deformed, as such one should only entrust this to the wise and elaborate imitation of the very powerful Art of Painting, and also rather call it fine and artful than beautiful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Of the Beauty and Gracefulness of Human figures, and of what it consists. Without any doubt it is most beneficial to the Art of Painting, to always advance the highest Beauty and perfection of the things that are depicted: Because like those created things please us most, which are beautiful and perfect, as such there is no reason left, why the imitated things should not offer the same gracefulness to the eye of the Spectator. And although one can call many things beautiful in the Paintings, that are ugly and abominable in the natural Life, yes deformed, as such one should only entrust this to the wise and elaborate imitation of the very powerful Art of Painting, and also rather call it fine and artful than beautiful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Of the Beauty and Gracefulness of Human figures, and of what it consists. Without any doubt it is most beneficial to the Art of Painting, to always advance the highest Beauty and perfection of the things that are depicted: Because like those created things please us most, which are beautiful and perfect, as such there is no reason left, why the imitated things should not offer the same gracefulness to the eye of the Spectator. And although one can call many things beautiful in the Paintings, that are ugly and abominable in the natural Life, yes deformed, as such one should only entrust this to the wise and elaborate imitation of the very powerful Art of Painting, and also rather call it fine and artful than beautiful.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Many amongst the Old and Young have thought that it is not easy to say nor determine what it really is, that we call Beautiful; and that it is not clear to pinpoint, by which Observations, it is to be depicted perfectly and clear: […] And since it cannot be denied that there are also steps in Beauty, and that one finds Beautiful, more Beautiful and even more Beautiful; as such there is no reason to stop us from thinking that a Most Beautiful also exists. When Aristotle was asked what Beauty was, and why all that is beautiful is loved ! he answered: That is the question of a blind man, {Aristotle thought that one should not ask what nature is.} Mister Cats has not dared to explain himself outspokenly about the different types of Beauty, as he utters these uncertain words about it somewhere: They continue to dispute, everywhere they doubt, What it is that one can judge to be BEAUTY in Man, There is barely any people, or it has different grounds, On which someone is thought BEAUTIFUL or UGLY. Especially since the different Peoples are not only different in choosing and approving Beauty, but that we can find some who place the Ugliness and Deformity before the Beauty in contrast to other Judges; such has brought doubt to unstable brains; whether the Beauty exists but in the Choice, or in Fashion, or in a personal reasoning of Men. {In the Choice of Beauty one did sometimes perceive Ugliness as Beautiful.}

Anciens (les)
CATS, Jacob
Modernes (Les)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Many amongst the Old and Young have thought that it is not easy to say nor determine what it really is, that we call Beautiful; and that it is not clear to pinpoint, by which Observations, it is to be depicted perfectly and clear: […] And since it cannot be denied that there are also steps in Beauty, and that one finds Beautiful, more Beautiful and even more Beautiful; as such there is no reason to stop us from thinking that a Most Beautiful also exists. When Aristotle was asked what Beauty was, and why all that is beautiful is loved ! he answered: That is the question of a blind man, {Aristotle thought that one should not ask what nature is.} Mister Cats has not dared to explain himself outspokenly about the different types of Beauty, as he utters these uncertain words about it somewhere: They continue to dispute, everywhere they doubt, What it is that one can judge to be BEAUTY in Man, There is barely any people, or it has different grounds, On which someone is thought BEAUTIFUL or UGLY. Especially since the different Peoples are not only different in choosing and approving Beauty, but that we can find some who place the Ugliness and Deformity before the Beauty in contrast to other Judges; such has brought doubt to unstable brains; whether the Beauty exists but in the Choice, or in Fashion, or in a personal reasoning of Men. {In the Choice of Beauty one did sometimes perceive Ugliness as Beautiful.}

Anciens (les)
CATS, Jacob
Modernes (Les)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Many amongst the Old and Young have thought that it is not easy to say nor determine what it really is, that we call Beautiful; and that it is not clear to pinpoint, by which Observations, it is to be depicted perfectly and clear: […] And since it cannot be denied that there are also steps in Beauty, and that one finds Beautiful, more Beautiful and even more Beautiful; as such there is no reason to stop us from thinking that a Most Beautiful also exists. When Aristotle was asked what Beauty was, and why all that is beautiful is loved ! he answered: That is the question of a blind man, {Aristotle thought that one should not ask what nature is.} Mister Cats has not dared to explain himself outspokenly about the different types of Beauty, as he utters these uncertain words about it somewhere: They continue to dispute, everywhere they doubt, What it is that one can judge to be BEAUTY in Man, There is barely any people, or it has different grounds, On which someone is thought BEAUTIFUL or UGLY. Especially since the different Peoples are not only different in choosing and approving Beauty, but that we can find some who place the Ugliness and Deformity before the Beauty in contrast to other Judges; such has brought doubt to unstable brains; whether the Beauty exists but in the Choice, or in Fashion, or in a personal reasoning of Men. {In the Choice of Beauty one did sometimes perceive Ugliness as Beautiful.}

Anciens (les)
CATS, Jacob
Modernes (Les)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Many amongst the Old and Young have thought that it is not easy to say nor determine what it really is, that we call Beautiful; and that it is not clear to pinpoint, by which Observations, it is to be depicted perfectly and clear: […] And since it cannot be denied that there are also steps in Beauty, and that one finds Beautiful, more Beautiful and even more Beautiful; as such there is no reason to stop us from thinking that a Most Beautiful also exists. When Aristotle was asked what Beauty was, and why all that is beautiful is loved ! he answered: That is the question of a blind man, {Aristotle thought that one should not ask what nature is.} Mister Cats has not dared to explain himself outspokenly about the different types of Beauty, as he utters these uncertain words about it somewhere: They continue to dispute, everywhere they doubt, What it is that one can judge to be BEAUTY in Man, There is barely any people, or it has different grounds, On which someone is thought BEAUTIFUL or UGLY. Especially since the different Peoples are not only different in choosing and approving Beauty, but that we can find some who place the Ugliness and Deformity before the Beauty in contrast to other Judges; such has brought doubt to unstable brains; whether the Beauty exists but in the Choice, or in Fashion, or in a personal reasoning of Men. {In the Choice of Beauty one did sometimes perceive Ugliness as Beautiful.}

Anciens (les)
CATS, Jacob
Modernes (Les)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Many amongst the Old and Young have thought that it is not easy to say nor determine what it really is, that we call Beautiful; and that it is not clear to pinpoint, by which Observations, it is to be depicted perfectly and clear: […] And since it cannot be denied that there are also steps in Beauty, and that one finds Beautiful, more Beautiful and even more Beautiful; as such there is no reason to stop us from thinking that a Most Beautiful also exists. When Aristotle was asked what Beauty was, and why all that is beautiful is loved ! he answered: That is the question of a blind man, {Aristotle thought that one should not ask what nature is.} Mister Cats has not dared to explain himself outspokenly about the different types of Beauty, as he utters these uncertain words about it somewhere: They continue to dispute, everywhere they doubt, What it is that one can judge to be BEAUTY in Man, There is barely any people, or it has different grounds, On which someone is thought BEAUTIFUL or UGLY. Especially since the different Peoples are not only different in choosing and approving Beauty, but that we can find some who place the Ugliness and Deformity before the Beauty in contrast to other Judges; such has brought doubt to unstable brains; whether the Beauty exists but in the Choice, or in Fashion, or in a personal reasoning of Men. {In the Choice of Beauty one did sometimes perceive Ugliness as Beautiful.}

Anciens (les)
CATS, Jacob
Modernes (Les)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Many amongst the Old and Young have thought that it is not easy to say nor determine what it really is, that we call Beautiful; and that it is not clear to pinpoint, by which Observations, it is to be depicted perfectly and clear: […] And since it cannot be denied that there are also steps in Beauty, and that one finds Beautiful, more Beautiful and even more Beautiful; as such there is no reason to stop us from thinking that a Most Beautiful also exists. When Aristotle was asked what Beauty was, and why all that is beautiful is loved ! he answered: That is the question of a blind man, {Aristotle thought that one should not ask what nature is.} Mister Cats has not dared to explain himself outspokenly about the different types of Beauty, as he utters these uncertain words about it somewhere: They continue to dispute, everywhere they doubt, What it is that one can judge to be BEAUTY in Man, There is barely any people, or it has different grounds, On which someone is thought BEAUTIFUL or UGLY. Especially since the different Peoples are not only different in choosing and approving Beauty, but that we can find some who place the Ugliness and Deformity before the Beauty in contrast to other Judges; such has brought doubt to unstable brains; whether the Beauty exists but in the Choice, or in Fashion, or in a personal reasoning of Men. {In the Choice of Beauty one did sometimes perceive Ugliness as Beautiful.}

Anciens (les)
CATS, Jacob
Modernes (Les)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Many amongst the Old and Young have thought that it is not easy to say nor determine what it really is, that we call Beautiful; and that it is not clear to pinpoint, by which Observations, it is to be depicted perfectly and clear: […] And since it cannot be denied that there are also steps in Beauty, and that one finds Beautiful, more Beautiful and even more Beautiful; as such there is no reason to stop us from thinking that a Most Beautiful also exists. When Aristotle was asked what Beauty was, and why all that is beautiful is loved ! he answered: That is the question of a blind man, {Aristotle thought that one should not ask what nature is.} Mister Cats has not dared to explain himself outspokenly about the different types of Beauty, as he utters these uncertain words about it somewhere: They continue to dispute, everywhere they doubt, What it is that one can judge to be BEAUTY in Man, There is barely any people, or it has different grounds, On which someone is thought BEAUTIFUL or UGLY. Especially since the different Peoples are not only different in choosing and approving Beauty, but that we can find some who place the Ugliness and Deformity before the Beauty in contrast to other Judges; such has brought doubt to unstable brains; whether the Beauty exists but in the Choice, or in Fashion, or in a personal reasoning of Men. {In the Choice of Beauty one did sometimes perceive Ugliness as Beautiful.}

Anciens (les)
CATS, Jacob
Modernes (Les)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Many amongst the Old and Young have thought that it is not easy to say nor determine what it really is, that we call Beautiful; and that it is not clear to pinpoint, by which Observations, it is to be depicted perfectly and clear: […] And since it cannot be denied that there are also steps in Beauty, and that one finds Beautiful, more Beautiful and even more Beautiful; as such there is no reason to stop us from thinking that a Most Beautiful also exists. When Aristotle was asked what Beauty was, and why all that is beautiful is loved ! he answered: That is the question of a blind man, {Aristotle thought that one should not ask what nature is.} Mister Cats has not dared to explain himself outspokenly about the different types of Beauty, as he utters these uncertain words about it somewhere: They continue to dispute, everywhere they doubt, What it is that one can judge to be BEAUTY in Man, There is barely any people, or it has different grounds, On which someone is thought BEAUTIFUL or UGLY. Especially since the different Peoples are not only different in choosing and approving Beauty, but that we can find some who place the Ugliness and Deformity before the Beauty in contrast to other Judges; such has brought doubt to unstable brains; whether the Beauty exists but in the Choice, or in Fashion, or in a personal reasoning of Men. {In the Choice of Beauty one did sometimes perceive Ugliness as Beautiful.}

Anciens (les)
CATS, Jacob
Modernes (Les)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When we want to keep to this truthful description [ndr: by Cicero] of Beauty, we should remark about this with regard to the general Art of Painting, that reaching Beauty mainly consists in this, that the Figures have a proper division of limbs: from this it necessarily follows that those Limbs should be known profoundly with regard to their form, place, connection and function; like we set out to do in this treatise. Many quick Minds have noticed for a long time that the depiction of Beauty and Perfection is very difficult, because its opposite – that is the Ugliness and Deformity – are born spontaneously or through different coincidences; or they can be expressed with certain marks or recognizable treats in many different ways and in levels and parts; Yes sometimes they mostly come into existence through the incapable treatment of Artists; But Beauty is not so easy, because it can only be shown through her simple whole; which Whole cannot be perceived in its unicity in the imitated Figures, before all the Parts, coincide without the least divergence. This is why some have said about this important part of the Art of Painting, that it was just as uncommon to imitate Beauty in the right way, as Beauty itself [ndr: is uncommon].

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When we want to keep to this truthful description [ndr: by Cicero] of Beauty, we should remark about this with regard to the general Art of Painting, that reaching Beauty mainly consists in this, that the Figures have a proper division of limbs: from this it necessarily follows that those Limbs should be known profoundly with regard to their form, place, connection and function; like we set out to do in this treatise. Many quick Minds have noticed for a long time that the depiction of Beauty and Perfection is very difficult, because its opposite – that is the Ugliness and Deformity – are born spontaneously or through different coincidences; or they can be expressed with certain marks or recognizable treats in many different ways and in levels and parts; Yes sometimes they mostly come into existence through the incapable treatment of Artists; But Beauty is not so easy, because it can only be shown through her simple whole; which Whole cannot be perceived in its unicity in the imitated Figures, before all the Parts, coincide without the least divergence. This is why some have said about this important part of the Art of Painting, that it was just as uncommon to imitate Beauty in the right way, as Beauty itself [ndr: is uncommon].

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When we want to keep to this truthful description [ndr: by Cicero] of Beauty, we should remark about this with regard to the general Art of Painting, that reaching Beauty mainly consists in this, that the Figures have a proper division of limbs: from this it necessarily follows that those Limbs should be known profoundly with regard to their form, place, connection and function; like we set out to do in this treatise. Many quick Minds have noticed for a long time that the depiction of Beauty and Perfection is very difficult, because its opposite – that is the Ugliness and Deformity – are born spontaneously or through different coincidences; or they can be expressed with certain marks or recognizable treats in many different ways and in levels and parts; Yes sometimes they mostly come into existence through the incapable treatment of Artists; But Beauty is not so easy, because it can only be shown through her simple whole; which Whole cannot be perceived in its unicity in the imitated Figures, before all the Parts, coincide without the least divergence. This is why some have said about this important part of the Art of Painting, that it was just as uncommon to imitate Beauty in the right way, as Beauty itself [ndr: is uncommon].

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When we want to keep to this truthful description [ndr: by Cicero] of Beauty, we should remark about this with regard to the general Art of Painting, that reaching Beauty mainly consists in this, that the Figures have a proper division of limbs: from this it necessarily follows that those Limbs should be known profoundly with regard to their form, place, connection and function; like we set out to do in this treatise. Many quick Minds have noticed for a long time that the depiction of Beauty and Perfection is very difficult, because its opposite – that is the Ugliness and Deformity – are born spontaneously or through different coincidences; or they can be expressed with certain marks or recognizable treats in many different ways and in levels and parts; Yes sometimes they mostly come into existence through the incapable treatment of Artists; But Beauty is not so easy, because it can only be shown through her simple whole; which Whole cannot be perceived in its unicity in the imitated Figures, before all the Parts, coincide without the least divergence. This is why some have said about this important part of the Art of Painting, that it was just as uncommon to imitate Beauty in the right way, as Beauty itself [ndr: is uncommon].

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When we want to keep to this truthful description [ndr: by Cicero] of Beauty, we should remark about this with regard to the general Art of Painting, that reaching Beauty mainly consists in this, that the Figures have a proper division of limbs: from this it necessarily follows that those Limbs should be known profoundly with regard to their form, place, connection and function; like we set out to do in this treatise. Many quick Minds have noticed for a long time that the depiction of Beauty and Perfection is very difficult, because its opposite – that is the Ugliness and Deformity – are born spontaneously or through different coincidences; or they can be expressed with certain marks or recognizable treats in many different ways and in levels and parts; Yes sometimes they mostly come into existence through the incapable treatment of Artists; But Beauty is not so easy, because it can only be shown through her simple whole; which Whole cannot be perceived in its unicity in the imitated Figures, before all the Parts, coincide without the least divergence. This is why some have said about this important part of the Art of Painting, that it was just as uncommon to imitate Beauty in the right way, as Beauty itself [ndr: is uncommon].

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When we want to keep to this truthful description [ndr: by Cicero] of Beauty, we should remark about this with regard to the general Art of Painting, that reaching Beauty mainly consists in this, that the Figures have a proper division of limbs: from this it necessarily follows that those Limbs should be known profoundly with regard to their form, place, connection and function; like we set out to do in this treatise. Many quick Minds have noticed for a long time that the depiction of Beauty and Perfection is very difficult, because its opposite – that is the Ugliness and Deformity – are born spontaneously or through different coincidences; or they can be expressed with certain marks or recognizable treats in many different ways and in levels and parts; Yes sometimes they mostly come into existence through the incapable treatment of Artists; But Beauty is not so easy, because it can only be shown through her simple whole; which Whole cannot be perceived in its unicity in the imitated Figures, before all the Parts, coincide without the least divergence. This is why some have said about this important part of the Art of Painting, that it was just as uncommon to imitate Beauty in the right way, as Beauty itself [ndr: is uncommon].

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] If one wants to have the Beauty of a face drawn in particular, one cannot appositely underline that one may not perceive even the smallest deformity in the whole nor in the parts. Because they believe it to be certain, that the generally well-conceived Faces cannot contain anything which is clearly deformed. Someone has said, that one can easily recognize the Beautiful, and more easily praise and love it with marvel, than find out her rule or drawing, to express of what She truly exists; Then Beauty is a returning Example in the Art of Painting, which all its practitioners are obliged to chase after.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] If one wants to have the Beauty of a face drawn in particular, one cannot appositely underline that one may not perceive even the smallest deformity in the whole nor in the parts. Because they believe it to be certain, that the generally well-conceived Faces cannot contain anything which is clearly deformed. Someone has said, that one can easily recognize the Beautiful, and more easily praise and love it with marvel, than find out her rule or drawing, to express of what She truly exists; Then Beauty is a returning Example in the Art of Painting, which all its practitioners are obliged to chase after.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] If one wants to have the Beauty of a face drawn in particular, one cannot appositely underline that one may not perceive even the smallest deformity in the whole nor in the parts. Because they believe it to be certain, that the generally well-conceived Faces cannot contain anything which is clearly deformed. Someone has said, that one can easily recognize the Beautiful, and more easily praise and love it with marvel, than find out her rule or drawing, to express of what She truly exists; Then Beauty is a returning Example in the Art of Painting, which all its practitioners are obliged to chase after.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] If one wants to have the Beauty of a face drawn in particular, one cannot appositely underline that one may not perceive even the smallest deformity in the whole nor in the parts. Because they believe it to be certain, that the generally well-conceived Faces cannot contain anything which is clearly deformed. Someone has said, that one can easily recognize the Beautiful, and more easily praise and love it with marvel, than find out her rule or drawing, to express of what She truly exists; Then Beauty is a returning Example in the Art of Painting, which all its practitioners are obliged to chase after.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] If one wants to have the Beauty of a face drawn in particular, one cannot appositely underline that one may not perceive even the smallest deformity in the whole nor in the parts. Because they believe it to be certain, that the generally well-conceived Faces cannot contain anything which is clearly deformed. Someone has said, that one can easily recognize the Beautiful, and more easily praise and love it with marvel, than find out her rule or drawing, to express of what She truly exists; Then Beauty is a returning Example in the Art of Painting, which all its practitioners are obliged to chase after.

Goeree uses the term ‘tekenkundige trek’ quite frequently. It refers to a certain manner of drawing and is translated here – tentatively – as ‘Draught’. In this case, it refers to the way in which the artist obtains Beauty in his work. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] If one wants to have the Beauty of a face drawn in particular, one cannot appositely underline that one may not perceive even the smallest deformity in the whole nor in the parts. Because they believe it to be certain, that the generally well-conceived Faces cannot contain anything which is clearly deformed. Someone has said, that one can easily recognize the Beautiful, and more easily praise and love it with marvel, than find out her rule or drawing, to express of what She truly exists; Then Beauty is a returning Example in the Art of Painting, which all its practitioners are obliged to chase after.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

Goeree explains the artistic process by which the artist may reach Beauty (schoonheid, bevalligheid, aangenaamheid), especially in relation to the process of imitation (navolging), observation (waarneming, beschouwing) of life and imagination. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

Goeree explains the artistic process by which the artist may reach Beauty (schoonheid, bevalligheid, aangenaamheid), especially in relation to the process of imitation (navolging), observation (waarneming, beschouwing) of life and imagination. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

Goeree explains the artistic process by which the artist may reach Beauty (schoonheid, bevalligheid, aangenaamheid), especially in relation to the process of imitation (navolging), observation (waarneming, beschouwing) of life and imagination. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

Goeree uses the term ‘tekenkundige trek’ quite frequently. It refers to a certain manner of drawing and is translated here – tentatively – as ‘Draught’. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And as all these things sufficiently prove, that the diversity of Beauty and Gracefulness with regard to the imitation in Painting, is not easily to accommodate in clearly defined rules, which one can then, as with an infallible model could overflow in Art-scenes with loveliness and without any further observation of Life; As such we should note in passing, that a diligent Painter should endeavor with all his might, through a consistent observation of all that he perceives of the human beauty, to imprint that which he deems the most exquisite of it so strongly in his mind, and to make it common to his imagination, that he will be able to depict, without its direct observation, the beauty of a Man in different ways and in distinct steps, so lovely and lively, as if he had Beauty itself before his eyes. {How Beauty has to be imprinted in the thoughts and mind of the Painter.} And he will be able to do this best, when he has not only studied well and carefully which Parts and Elements have been beautifully made, and which Proportion they should have, to depict them with the Draught; but then especially, when with regard to all the previous, will have observed precisely by which Step and coincidence this and other parts unites, lessens or increases the Beauty in this or that object to the whole:

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] This Practice will not only be a loyal assistant to the Painter in the imitation of the natural Life, by she will serve him as an experienced Mistress, when Life is lacking him; by instructing his mind so much through the sense of a true imagined Beauty and by guiding his hand so wisely, that he will be able to pour the imagined Beauty from the source of his mind in full streams on the Canvas. Truly, the expression of Beauty can be significantly increased by the strong Power of Imagination. It is said of the great Phydias, that when he made the Statue of Jupiter and Minerva, he did not cast his eye on anyone from whom he borrowed their likeness, but that he imagined the Example of the very exquisite Beauty powerfully in his mind, on which he held his mind’s eye so steadily focused, that he has guided his hand and his Art, without any distraction, after the likeness of this Example. The Old have noticed very well, that beauty is seldom to be obtained perfect, but this did not chase them away; {The utmost Beauty is seldom or never to be found in one entire person.} rather they were even more stimulated to procure her by all means necessary, and especially through the power of imagination. The learned Junius has evoked many excellent examples of this, which should not be unknown. […]

PHIDIAS, Jupiter en Minerva, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 35-36)

Anciens (les)
JUNIUS, Franciscus
PHIDIAS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] This Practice will not only be a loyal assistant to the Painter in the imitation of the natural Life, by she will serve him as an experienced Mistress, when Life is lacking him; by instructing his mind so much through the sense of a true imagined Beauty and by guiding his hand so wisely, that he will be able to pour the imagined Beauty from the source of his mind in full streams on the Canvas. Truly, the expression of Beauty can be significantly increased by the strong Power of Imagination. It is said of the great Phydias, that when he made the Statue of Jupiter and Minerva, he did not cast his eye on anyone from whom he borrowed their likeness, but that he imagined the Example of the very exquisite Beauty powerfully in his mind, on which he held his mind’s eye so steadily focused, that he has guided his hand and his Art, without any distraction, after the likeness of this Example. The Old have noticed very well, that beauty is seldom to be obtained perfect, but this did not chase them away; {The utmost Beauty is seldom or never to be found in one entire person.} rather they were even more stimulated to procure her by all means necessary, and especially through the power of imagination. The learned Junius has evoked many excellent examples of this, which should not be unknown. […]

PHIDIAS, Jupiter en Minerva, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 35-36)

Anciens (les)
JUNIUS, Franciscus
PHIDIAS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] This Practice will not only be a loyal assistant to the Painter in the imitation of the natural Life, by she will serve him as an experienced Mistress, when Life is lacking him; by instructing his mind so much through the sense of a true imagined Beauty and by guiding his hand so wisely, that he will be able to pour the imagined Beauty from the source of his mind in full streams on the Canvas. Truly, the expression of Beauty can be significantly increased by the strong Power of Imagination. It is said of the great Phydias, that when he made the Statue of Jupiter and Minerva, he did not cast his eye on anyone from whom he borrowed their likeness, but that he imagined the Example of the very exquisite Beauty powerfully in his mind, on which he held his mind’s eye so steadily focused, that he has guided his hand and his Art, without any distraction, after the likeness of this Example. The Old have noticed very well, that beauty is seldom to be obtained perfect, but this did not chase them away; {The utmost Beauty is seldom or never to be found in one entire person.} rather they were even more stimulated to procure her by all means necessary, and especially through the power of imagination. The learned Junius has evoked many excellent examples of this, which should not be unknown. […]

PHIDIAS, Jupiter en Minerva, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 35-36)

Anciens (les)
JUNIUS, Franciscus
PHIDIAS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] This Practice will not only be a loyal assistant to the Painter in the imitation of the natural Life, by she will serve him as an experienced Mistress, when Life is lacking him; by instructing his mind so much through the sense of a true imagined Beauty and by guiding his hand so wisely, that he will be able to pour the imagined Beauty from the source of his mind in full streams on the Canvas. Truly, the expression of Beauty can be significantly increased by the strong Power of Imagination. It is said of the great Phydias, that when he made the Statue of Jupiter and Minerva, he did not cast his eye on anyone from whom he borrowed their likeness, but that he imagined the Example of the very exquisite Beauty powerfully in his mind, on which he held his mind’s eye so steadily focused, that he has guided his hand and his Art, without any distraction, after the likeness of this Example. The Old have noticed very well, that beauty is seldom to be obtained perfect, but this did not chase them away; {The utmost Beauty is seldom or never to be found in one entire person.} rather they were even more stimulated to procure her by all means necessary, and especially through the power of imagination. The learned Junius has evoked many excellent examples of this, which should not be unknown. […]

PHIDIAS, Jupiter en Minerva, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 35-36)

Anciens (les)
JUNIUS, Franciscus
PHIDIAS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] This Practice will not only be a loyal assistant to the Painter in the imitation of the natural Life, by she will serve him as an experienced Mistress, when Life is lacking him; by instructing his mind so much through the sense of a true imagined Beauty and by guiding his hand so wisely, that he will be able to pour the imagined Beauty from the source of his mind in full streams on the Canvas. Truly, the expression of Beauty can be significantly increased by the strong Power of Imagination. It is said of the great Phydias, that when he made the Statue of Jupiter and Minerva, he did not cast his eye on anyone from whom he borrowed their likeness, but that he imagined the Example of the very exquisite Beauty powerfully in his mind, on which he held his mind’s eye so steadily focused, that he has guided his hand and his Art, without any distraction, after the likeness of this Example. The Old have noticed very well, that beauty is seldom to be obtained perfect, but this did not chase them away; {The utmost Beauty is seldom or never to be found in one entire person.} rather they were even more stimulated to procure her by all means necessary, and especially through the power of imagination. The learned Junius has evoked many excellent examples of this, which should not be unknown. […]

PHIDIAS, Jupiter en Minerva, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 35-36)

Anciens (les)
JUNIUS, Franciscus
PHIDIAS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] This Practice will not only be a loyal assistant to the Painter in the imitation of the natural Life, by she will serve him as an experienced Mistress, when Life is lacking him; by instructing his mind so much through the sense of a true imagined Beauty and by guiding his hand so wisely, that he will be able to pour the imagined Beauty from the source of his mind in full streams on the Canvas. Truly, the expression of Beauty can be significantly increased by the strong Power of Imagination. It is said of the great Phydias, that when he made the Statue of Jupiter and Minerva, he did not cast his eye on anyone from whom he borrowed their likeness, but that he imagined the Example of the very exquisite Beauty powerfully in his mind, on which he held his mind’s eye so steadily focused, that he has guided his hand and his Art, without any distraction, after the likeness of this Example. The Old have noticed very well, that beauty is seldom to be obtained perfect, but this did not chase them away; {The utmost Beauty is seldom or never to be found in one entire person.} rather they were even more stimulated to procure her by all means necessary, and especially through the power of imagination. The learned Junius has evoked many excellent examples of this, which should not be unknown. […]

PHIDIAS, Jupiter en Minerva, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 35-36)

Anciens (les)
JUNIUS, Franciscus
PHIDIAS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] This Practice will not only be a loyal assistant to the Painter in the imitation of the natural Life, by she will serve him as an experienced Mistress, when Life is lacking him; by instructing his mind so much through the sense of a true imagined Beauty and by guiding his hand so wisely, that he will be able to pour the imagined Beauty from the source of his mind in full streams on the Canvas. Truly, the expression of Beauty can be significantly increased by the strong Power of Imagination. It is said of the great Phydias, that when he made the Statue of Jupiter and Minerva, he did not cast his eye on anyone from whom he borrowed their likeness, but that he imagined the Example of the very exquisite Beauty powerfully in his mind, on which he held his mind’s eye so steadily focused, that he has guided his hand and his Art, without any distraction, after the likeness of this Example. The Old have noticed very well, that beauty is seldom to be obtained perfect, but this did not chase them away; {The utmost Beauty is seldom or never to be found in one entire person.} rather they were even more stimulated to procure her by all means necessary, and especially through the power of imagination. The learned Junius has evoked many excellent examples of this, which should not be unknown. […]

PHIDIAS, Jupiter en Minerva, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 35-36)

Anciens (les)
JUNIUS, Franciscus
PHIDIAS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] This Practice will not only be a loyal assistant to the Painter in the imitation of the natural Life, by she will serve him as an experienced Mistress, when Life is lacking him; by instructing his mind so much through the sense of a true imagined Beauty and by guiding his hand so wisely, that he will be able to pour the imagined Beauty from the source of his mind in full streams on the Canvas. Truly, the expression of Beauty can be significantly increased by the strong Power of Imagination. It is said of the great Phydias, that when he made the Statue of Jupiter and Minerva, he did not cast his eye on anyone from whom he borrowed their likeness, but that he imagined the Example of the very exquisite Beauty powerfully in his mind, on which he held his mind’s eye so steadily focused, that he has guided his hand and his Art, without any distraction, after the likeness of this Example. The Old have noticed very well, that beauty is seldom to be obtained perfect, but this did not chase them away; {The utmost Beauty is seldom or never to be found in one entire person.} rather they were even more stimulated to procure her by all means necessary, and especially through the power of imagination. The learned Junius has evoked many excellent examples of this, which should not be unknown. […]

PHIDIAS, Jupiter en Minerva, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 35-36)

Anciens (les)
JUNIUS, Franciscus
PHIDIAS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] This Practice will not only be a loyal assistant to the Painter in the imitation of the natural Life, by she will serve him as an experienced Mistress, when Life is lacking him; by instructing his mind so much through the sense of a true imagined Beauty and by guiding his hand so wisely, that he will be able to pour the imagined Beauty from the source of his mind in full streams on the Canvas. Truly, the expression of Beauty can be significantly increased by the strong Power of Imagination. It is said of the great Phydias, that when he made the Statue of Jupiter and Minerva, he did not cast his eye on anyone from whom he borrowed their likeness, but that he imagined the Example of the very exquisite Beauty powerfully in his mind, on which he held his mind’s eye so steadily focused, that he has guided his hand and his Art, without any distraction, after the likeness of this Example. The Old have noticed very well, that beauty is seldom to be obtained perfect, but this did not chase them away; {The utmost Beauty is seldom or never to be found in one entire person.} rather they were even more stimulated to procure her by all means necessary, and especially through the power of imagination. The learned Junius has evoked many excellent examples of this, which should not be unknown. […]

PHIDIAS, Jupiter en Minerva, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 35-36)

Anciens (les)
JUNIUS, Franciscus
PHIDIAS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] This Practice will not only be a loyal assistant to the Painter in the imitation of the natural Life, by she will serve him as an experienced Mistress, when Life is lacking him; by instructing his mind so much through the sense of a true imagined Beauty and by guiding his hand so wisely, that he will be able to pour the imagined Beauty from the source of his mind in full streams on the Canvas. Truly, the expression of Beauty can be significantly increased by the strong Power of Imagination. It is said of the great Phydias, that when he made the Statue of Jupiter and Minerva, he did not cast his eye on anyone from whom he borrowed their likeness, but that he imagined the Example of the very exquisite Beauty powerfully in his mind, on which he held his mind’s eye so steadily focused, that he has guided his hand and his Art, without any distraction, after the likeness of this Example. The Old have noticed very well, that beauty is seldom to be obtained perfect, but this did not chase them away; {The utmost Beauty is seldom or never to be found in one entire person.} rather they were even more stimulated to procure her by all means necessary, and especially through the power of imagination. The learned Junius has evoked many excellent examples of this, which should not be unknown. […]

PHIDIAS, Jupiter en Minerva, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 35-36)

Anciens (les)
JUNIUS, Franciscus
PHIDIAS

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As many as have rightfully carried the name of Connoisseur or lover, they were commonly of the opinion that the Ancient remains of good Statues and Reliefs and all that has been made in the golden age of the art of Painting and Sculpture are the most Beautiful in the Art, and would be the best and most perfect Examples for the Pupils. This truth, recognized by the diligent Mister Jan de Bisschop, who confessed it publicly in the Dedication of his first fifty published Statues; that he had been confirmed in this feeling by his long experience. Since, he says, we either build our opinion on the esteem and high price, which has always been paid for these artful Sculptures, (of which Cicero, Pliny and other men of knowledge – besides the everyday experience – can bear witness of:) or we can see Raphael of Urbino or Michelangelo show it not only with words but with deeds; we will find that they have focused their whole practice on it. And as such, have rather become Robbers than Imitators. Truly, he continued, there is no other reason, that France, which truly beats the lot nowadays, has come this far, than because it has insightfully received the Romans – understanding the Old Statues well – and their imitator Poussin, with much honor, holding them in high esteem.

BISSCHOP, Jan de
CICERO, Marcus Tullius
MICHELANGELO (Michelangelo Buonarroti)
PLINIUS, L'Ancien
POUSSIN, Nicolas
RAFFAELLO (Raffaello Sanzio)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As many as have rightfully carried the name of Connoisseur or lover, they were commonly of the opinion that the Ancient remains of good Statues and Reliefs and all that has been made in the golden age of the art of Painting and Sculpture are the most Beautiful in the Art, and would be the best and most perfect Examples for the Pupils. This truth, recognized by the diligent Mister Jan de Bisschop, who confessed it publicly in the Dedication of his first fifty published Statues; that he had been confirmed in this feeling by his long experience. Since, he says, we either build our opinion on the esteem and high price, which has always been paid for these artful Sculptures, (of which Cicero, Pliny and other men of knowledge – besides the everyday experience – can bear witness of:) or we can see Raphael of Urbino or Michelangelo show it not only with words but with deeds; we will find that they have focused their whole practice on it. And as such, have rather become Robbers than Imitators. Truly, he continued, there is no other reason, that France, which truly beats the lot nowadays, has come this far, than because it has insightfully received the Romans – understanding the Old Statues well – and their imitator Poussin, with much honor, holding them in high esteem.

BISSCHOP, Jan de
CICERO, Marcus Tullius
MICHELANGELO (Michelangelo Buonarroti)
PLINIUS, L'Ancien
POUSSIN, Nicolas
RAFFAELLO (Raffaello Sanzio)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As many as have rightfully carried the name of Connoisseur or lover, they were commonly of the opinion that the Ancient remains of good Statues and Reliefs and all that has been made in the golden age of the art of Painting and Sculpture are the most Beautiful in the Art, and would be the best and most perfect Examples for the Pupils. This truth, recognized by the diligent Mister Jan de Bisschop, who confessed it publicly in the Dedication of his first fifty published Statues; that he had been confirmed in this feeling by his long experience. Since, he says, we either build our opinion on the esteem and high price, which has always been paid for these artful Sculptures, (of which Cicero, Pliny and other men of knowledge – besides the everyday experience – can bear witness of:) or we can see Raphael of Urbino or Michelangelo show it not only with words but with deeds; we will find that they have focused their whole practice on it. And as such, have rather become Robbers than Imitators. Truly, he continued, there is no other reason, that France, which truly beats the lot nowadays, has come this far, than because it has insightfully received the Romans – understanding the Old Statues well – and their imitator Poussin, with much honor, holding them in high esteem.

BISSCHOP, Jan de
CICERO, Marcus Tullius
MICHELANGELO (Michelangelo Buonarroti)
PLINIUS, L'Ancien
POUSSIN, Nicolas
RAFFAELLO (Raffaello Sanzio)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As many as have rightfully carried the name of Connoisseur or lover, they were commonly of the opinion that the Ancient remains of good Statues and Reliefs and all that has been made in the golden age of the art of Painting and Sculpture are the most Beautiful in the Art, and would be the best and most perfect Examples for the Pupils. This truth, recognized by the diligent Mister Jan de Bisschop, who confessed it publicly in the Dedication of his first fifty published Statues; that he had been confirmed in this feeling by his long experience. Since, he says, we either build our opinion on the esteem and high price, which has always been paid for these artful Sculptures, (of which Cicero, Pliny and other men of knowledge – besides the everyday experience – can bear witness of:) or we can see Raphael of Urbino or Michelangelo show it not only with words but with deeds; we will find that they have focused their whole practice on it. And as such, have rather become Robbers than Imitators. Truly, he continued, there is no other reason, that France, which truly beats the lot nowadays, has come this far, than because it has insightfully received the Romans – understanding the Old Statues well – and their imitator Poussin, with much honor, holding them in high esteem.

BISSCHOP, Jan de
CICERO, Marcus Tullius
MICHELANGELO (Michelangelo Buonarroti)
PLINIUS, L'Ancien
POUSSIN, Nicolas
RAFFAELLO (Raffaello Sanzio)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As many as have rightfully carried the name of Connoisseur or lover, they were commonly of the opinion that the Ancient remains of good Statues and Reliefs and all that has been made in the golden age of the art of Painting and Sculpture are the most Beautiful in the Art, and would be the best and most perfect Examples for the Pupils. This truth, recognized by the diligent Mister Jan de Bisschop, who confessed it publicly in the Dedication of his first fifty published Statues; that he had been confirmed in this feeling by his long experience. Since, he says, we either build our opinion on the esteem and high price, which has always been paid for these artful Sculptures, (of which Cicero, Pliny and other men of knowledge – besides the everyday experience – can bear witness of:) or we can see Raphael of Urbino or Michelangelo show it not only with words but with deeds; we will find that they have focused their whole practice on it. And as such, have rather become Robbers than Imitators. Truly, he continued, there is no other reason, that France, which truly beats the lot nowadays, has come this far, than because it has insightfully received the Romans – understanding the Old Statues well – and their imitator Poussin, with much honor, holding them in high esteem.

BISSCHOP, Jan de
CICERO, Marcus Tullius
MICHELANGELO (Michelangelo Buonarroti)
PLINIUS, L'Ancien
POUSSIN, Nicolas
RAFFAELLO (Raffaello Sanzio)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As many as have rightfully carried the name of Connoisseur or lover, they were commonly of the opinion that the Ancient remains of good Statues and Reliefs and all that has been made in the golden age of the art of Painting and Sculpture are the most Beautiful in the Art, and would be the best and most perfect Examples for the Pupils. This truth, recognized by the diligent Mister Jan de Bisschop, who confessed it publicly in the Dedication of his first fifty published Statues; that he had been confirmed in this feeling by his long experience. Since, he says, we either build our opinion on the esteem and high price, which has always been paid for these artful Sculptures, (of which Cicero, Pliny and other men of knowledge – besides the everyday experience – can bear witness of:) or we can see Raphael of Urbino or Michelangelo show it not only with words but with deeds; we will find that they have focused their whole practice on it. And as such, have rather become Robbers than Imitators. Truly, he continued, there is no other reason, that France, which truly beats the lot nowadays, has come this far, than because it has insightfully received the Romans – understanding the Old Statues well – and their imitator Poussin, with much honor, holding them in high esteem.

BISSCHOP, Jan de
CICERO, Marcus Tullius
MICHELANGELO (Michelangelo Buonarroti)
PLINIUS, L'Ancien
POUSSIN, Nicolas
RAFFAELLO (Raffaello Sanzio)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As many as have rightfully carried the name of Connoisseur or lover, they were commonly of the opinion that the Ancient remains of good Statues and Reliefs and all that has been made in the golden age of the art of Painting and Sculpture are the most Beautiful in the Art, and would be the best and most perfect Examples for the Pupils. This truth, recognized by the diligent Mister Jan de Bisschop, who confessed it publicly in the Dedication of his first fifty published Statues; that he had been confirmed in this feeling by his long experience. Since, he says, we either build our opinion on the esteem and high price, which has always been paid for these artful Sculptures, (of which Cicero, Pliny and other men of knowledge – besides the everyday experience – can bear witness of:) or we can see Raphael of Urbino or Michelangelo show it not only with words but with deeds; we will find that they have focused their whole practice on it. And as such, have rather become Robbers than Imitators. Truly, he continued, there is no other reason, that France, which truly beats the lot nowadays, has come this far, than because it has insightfully received the Romans – understanding the Old Statues well – and their imitator Poussin, with much honor, holding them in high esteem.

BISSCHOP, Jan de
CICERO, Marcus Tullius
MICHELANGELO (Michelangelo Buonarroti)
PLINIUS, L'Ancien
POUSSIN, Nicolas
RAFFAELLO (Raffaello Sanzio)

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] However, this does not dismiss the feeling of those who argue that Life itself is the best Example, and the most necessary to imitate; as the great perfection of the Ancients has its source in it. And thus it is also necessary today to draw from it: But as the Ancients have chosen wisely from the wide diversity of Life, in which the Beautiful is mixed with the undesirable, often selecting that which is the most Beautiful in a Body, this may rightfully be called the best guide:

Anciens (les)

Goeree explains that Life is a good subject for artistic imitation, but that the imitation of the Ancient artists is preferable. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] However, this does not dismiss the feeling of those who argue that Life itself is the best Example, and the most necessary to imitate; as the great perfection of the Ancients has its source in it. And thus it is also necessary today to draw from it: But as the Ancients have chosen wisely from the wide diversity of Life, in which the Beautiful is mixed with the undesirable, often selecting that which is the most Beautiful in a Body, this may rightfully be called the best guide:

Anciens (les)

Goeree explains that Life is a good subject for artistic imitation, but that the imitation of the Ancient artists is preferable. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] However, this does not dismiss the feeling of those who argue that Life itself is the best Example, and the most necessary to imitate; as the great perfection of the Ancients has its source in it. And thus it is also necessary today to draw from it: But as the Ancients have chosen wisely from the wide diversity of Life, in which the Beautiful is mixed with the undesirable, often selecting that which is the most Beautiful in a Body, this may rightfully be called the best guide:

Anciens (les)

Goeree explains that Life is a good subject for artistic imitation, but that the imitation of the Ancient artists is preferable. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] However, this does not dismiss the feeling of those who argue that Life itself is the best Example, and the most necessary to imitate; as the great perfection of the Ancients has its source in it. And thus it is also necessary today to draw from it: But as the Ancients have chosen wisely from the wide diversity of Life, in which the Beautiful is mixed with the undesirable, often selecting that which is the most Beautiful in a Body, this may rightfully be called the best guide:

Anciens (les)

Goeree explains that Life is a good subject for artistic imitation, but that the imitation of the Ancient artists is preferable. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And while it is sufficiently clear from that what has been said so far, that the Beauty of the Bodies has to be searched for in the good creation of the Limbs and the proportional order to the whole; {Proportion and order, the main cause of Beauty.} It automatically follows that the investigation of the Proportion, both in the whole and especially of the Limbs, is an important part of the Anatomy: So much so that the Painter who wants to perfect himself in it, needs to find assistance in many and different things; Amongst which, the observation of Life, the painterly Anatomy, the mesure of Proportion, the Beautiful accepted Examples and the healthy Reason are the principal; the good Masters have also found their assistance there with great results. {Where it should be found.} Because the observation of the Natural Life, allows the Painter to bring the Beauty to mind on any occasion by means of the power of imagination. Dissection will illustrate the structure and function of all the Bones, Muscles, Parts and Limbs to him. The mesure of Proportion will teach him the good balance between Limbs of the whole body. The Beautiful Examples will support him in his mind and as a reference will point out where he is mistaken. And the healthy Reason will instruct him like a loyal Master, […]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And while it is sufficiently clear from that what has been said so far, that the Beauty of the Bodies has to be searched for in the good creation of the Limbs and the proportional order to the whole; {Proportion and order, the main cause of Beauty.} It automatically follows that the investigation of the Proportion, both in the whole and especially of the Limbs, is an important part of the Anatomy: So much so that the Painter who wants to perfect himself in it, needs to find assistance in many and different things; Amongst which, the observation of Life, the painterly Anatomy, the mesure of Proportion, the Beautiful accepted Examples and the healthy Reason are the principal; the good Masters have also found their assistance there with great results. {Where it should be found.} Because the observation of the Natural Life, allows the Painter to bring the Beauty to mind on any occasion by means of the power of imagination. Dissection will illustrate the structure and function of all the Bones, Muscles, Parts and Limbs to him. The mesure of Proportion will teach him the good balance between Limbs of the whole body. The Beautiful Examples will support him in his mind and as a reference will point out where he is mistaken. And the healthy Reason will instruct him like a loyal Master, […]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And while it is sufficiently clear from that what has been said so far, that the Beauty of the Bodies has to be searched for in the good creation of the Limbs and the proportional order to the whole; {Proportion and order, the main cause of Beauty.} It automatically follows that the investigation of the Proportion, both in the whole and especially of the Limbs, is an important part of the Anatomy: So much so that the Painter who wants to perfect himself in it, needs to find assistance in many and different things; Amongst which, the observation of Life, the painterly Anatomy, the mesure of Proportion, the Beautiful accepted Examples and the healthy Reason are the principal; the good Masters have also found their assistance there with great results. {Where it should be found.} Because the observation of the Natural Life, allows the Painter to bring the Beauty to mind on any occasion by means of the power of imagination. Dissection will illustrate the structure and function of all the Bones, Muscles, Parts and Limbs to him. The mesure of Proportion will teach him the good balance between Limbs of the whole body. The Beautiful Examples will support him in his mind and as a reference will point out where he is mistaken. And the healthy Reason will instruct him like a loyal Master, […]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And while it is sufficiently clear from that what has been said so far, that the Beauty of the Bodies has to be searched for in the good creation of the Limbs and the proportional order to the whole; {Proportion and order, the main cause of Beauty.} It automatically follows that the investigation of the Proportion, both in the whole and especially of the Limbs, is an important part of the Anatomy: So much so that the Painter who wants to perfect himself in it, needs to find assistance in many and different things; Amongst which, the observation of Life, the painterly Anatomy, the mesure of Proportion, the Beautiful accepted Examples and the healthy Reason are the principal; the good Masters have also found their assistance there with great results. {Where it should be found.} Because the observation of the Natural Life, allows the Painter to bring the Beauty to mind on any occasion by means of the power of imagination. Dissection will illustrate the structure and function of all the Bones, Muscles, Parts and Limbs to him. The mesure of Proportion will teach him the good balance between Limbs of the whole body. The Beautiful Examples will support him in his mind and as a reference will point out where he is mistaken. And the healthy Reason will instruct him like a loyal Master, […]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And while it is sufficiently clear from that what has been said so far, that the Beauty of the Bodies has to be searched for in the good creation of the Limbs and the proportional order to the whole; {Proportion and order, the main cause of Beauty.} It automatically follows that the investigation of the Proportion, both in the whole and especially of the Limbs, is an important part of the Anatomy: So much so that the Painter who wants to perfect himself in it, needs to find assistance in many and different things; Amongst which, the observation of Life, the painterly Anatomy, the mesure of Proportion, the Beautiful accepted Examples and the healthy Reason are the principal; the good Masters have also found their assistance there with great results. {Where it should be found.} Because the observation of the Natural Life, allows the Painter to bring the Beauty to mind on any occasion by means of the power of imagination. Dissection will illustrate the structure and function of all the Bones, Muscles, Parts and Limbs to him. The mesure of Proportion will teach him the good balance between Limbs of the whole body. The Beautiful Examples will support him in his mind and as a reference will point out where he is mistaken. And the healthy Reason will instruct him like a loyal Master, […]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And while it is sufficiently clear from that what has been said so far, that the Beauty of the Bodies has to be searched for in the good creation of the Limbs and the proportional order to the whole; {Proportion and order, the main cause of Beauty.} It automatically follows that the investigation of the Proportion, both in the whole and especially of the Limbs, is an important part of the Anatomy: So much so that the Painter who wants to perfect himself in it, needs to find assistance in many and different things; Amongst which, the observation of Life, the painterly Anatomy, the mesure of Proportion, the Beautiful accepted Examples and the healthy Reason are the principal; the good Masters have also found their assistance there with great results. {Where it should be found.} Because the observation of the Natural Life, allows the Painter to bring the Beauty to mind on any occasion by means of the power of imagination. Dissection will illustrate the structure and function of all the Bones, Muscles, Parts and Limbs to him. The mesure of Proportion will teach him the good balance between Limbs of the whole body. The Beautiful Examples will support him in his mind and as a reference will point out where he is mistaken. And the healthy Reason will instruct him like a loyal Master, […]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And while it is sufficiently clear from that what has been said so far, that the Beauty of the Bodies has to be searched for in the good creation of the Limbs and the proportional order to the whole; {Proportion and order, the main cause of Beauty.} It automatically follows that the investigation of the Proportion, both in the whole and especially of the Limbs, is an important part of the Anatomy: So much so that the Painter who wants to perfect himself in it, needs to find assistance in many and different things; Amongst which, the observation of Life, the painterly Anatomy, the mesure of Proportion, the Beautiful accepted Examples and the healthy Reason are the principal; the good Masters have also found their assistance there with great results. {Where it should be found.} Because the observation of the Natural Life, allows the Painter to bring the Beauty to mind on any occasion by means of the power of imagination. Dissection will illustrate the structure and function of all the Bones, Muscles, Parts and Limbs to him. The mesure of Proportion will teach him the good balance between Limbs of the whole body. The Beautiful Examples will support him in his mind and as a reference will point out where he is mistaken. And the healthy Reason will instruct him like a loyal Master, […]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And while it is sufficiently clear from that what has been said so far, that the Beauty of the Bodies has to be searched for in the good creation of the Limbs and the proportional order to the whole; {Proportion and order, the main cause of Beauty.} It automatically follows that the investigation of the Proportion, both in the whole and especially of the Limbs, is an important part of the Anatomy: So much so that the Painter who wants to perfect himself in it, needs to find assistance in many and different things; Amongst which, the observation of Life, the painterly Anatomy, the mesure of Proportion, the Beautiful accepted Examples and the healthy Reason are the principal; the good Masters have also found their assistance there with great results. {Where it should be found.} Because the observation of the Natural Life, allows the Painter to bring the Beauty to mind on any occasion by means of the power of imagination. Dissection will illustrate the structure and function of all the Bones, Muscles, Parts and Limbs to him. The mesure of Proportion will teach him the good balance between Limbs of the whole body. The Beautiful Examples will support him in his mind and as a reference will point out where he is mistaken. And the healthy Reason will instruct him like a loyal Master, […]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And while it is sufficiently clear from that what has been said so far, that the Beauty of the Bodies has to be searched for in the good creation of the Limbs and the proportional order to the whole; {Proportion and order, the main cause of Beauty.} It automatically follows that the investigation of the Proportion, both in the whole and especially of the Limbs, is an important part of the Anatomy: So much so that the Painter who wants to perfect himself in it, needs to find assistance in many and different things; Amongst which, the observation of Life, the painterly Anatomy, the mesure of Proportion, the Beautiful accepted Examples and the healthy Reason are the principal; the good Masters have also found their assistance there with great results. {Where it should be found.} Because the observation of the Natural Life, allows the Painter to bring the Beauty to mind on any occasion by means of the power of imagination. Dissection will illustrate the structure and function of all the Bones, Muscles, Parts and Limbs to him. The mesure of Proportion will teach him the good balance between Limbs of the whole body. The Beautiful Examples will support him in his mind and as a reference will point out where he is mistaken. And the healthy Reason will instruct him like a loyal Master, […]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And while it is sufficiently clear from that what has been said so far, that the Beauty of the Bodies has to be searched for in the good creation of the Limbs and the proportional order to the whole; {Proportion and order, the main cause of Beauty.} It automatically follows that the investigation of the Proportion, both in the whole and especially of the Limbs, is an important part of the Anatomy: So much so that the Painter who wants to perfect himself in it, needs to find assistance in many and different things; Amongst which, the observation of Life, the painterly Anatomy, the mesure of Proportion, the Beautiful accepted Examples and the healthy Reason are the principal; the good Masters have also found their assistance there with great results. {Where it should be found.} Because the observation of the Natural Life, allows the Painter to bring the Beauty to mind on any occasion by means of the power of imagination. Dissection will illustrate the structure and function of all the Bones, Muscles, Parts and Limbs to him. The mesure of Proportion will teach him the good balance between Limbs of the whole body. The Beautiful Examples will support him in his mind and as a reference will point out where he is mistaken. And the healthy Reason will instruct him like a loyal Master, […]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And while it is sufficiently clear from that what has been said so far, that the Beauty of the Bodies has to be searched for in the good creation of the Limbs and the proportional order to the whole; {Proportion and order, the main cause of Beauty.} It automatically follows that the investigation of the Proportion, both in the whole and especially of the Limbs, is an important part of the Anatomy: So much so that the Painter who wants to perfect himself in it, needs to find assistance in many and different things; Amongst which, the observation of Life, the painterly Anatomy, the mesure of Proportion, the Beautiful accepted Examples and the healthy Reason are the principal; the good Masters have also found their assistance there with great results. {Where it should be found.} Because the observation of the Natural Life, allows the Painter to bring the Beauty to mind on any occasion by means of the power of imagination. Dissection will illustrate the structure and function of all the Bones, Muscles, Parts and Limbs to him. The mesure of Proportion will teach him the good balance between Limbs of the whole body. The Beautiful Examples will support him in his mind and as a reference will point out where he is mistaken. And the healthy Reason will instruct him like a loyal Master, […]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The division of the limbs and the mesure of Proportion have always been held in great value by the Ancient Artists; and they have shown in several Examples, that they understood them well. Telekles and Theodorus both produced half of the Statue of Apollo Pythius, one was on the Island Samos, the other in Ephesos. And yet both these parts fit so well together, that one could not have judged differently than that the Statue was from the hand of one Master. Which would have been impossible to them without the most thorough knowledge of Proportion. The General Proportion of a Beautiful Human figure can be explained quickly and without much elaboration; and it is unnecessary to come up with that much work, that many Models and so many words, as some have done: who yet, with all their different Examples have done more than half too much and not enough on the per mille [ndr: i.e. the smallest parts]. Because as one sets out to form more than just a few rules in the Human Proportion of the general uprightness of Man, one will be obligated to [ndr: create] an endless number of Examples; and as such will repeatedly do too much and often too little. For this Practice one should most of all notice that the proper rule of Proportion cannot be investigated more appropriately, than in a Figure, that is placed in a Simple, i.e. a Single and uncomplicated upright position, exempt of any movement or action.

TELEKLES, Apollo Pythius, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 43-44)
THEODOROS, Apollo Pythius, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 43-44)

TELEKLES
THEODOROS

Goeree uses the terms ‘ledenstemming’ and ‘proportie-maat’ next to eachother, suggesting a distinction between the two terms which does not become apparent in this extract. I have tentatively translated the term as division of the limbs. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The division of the limbs and the mesure of Proportion have always been held in great value by the Ancient Artists; and they have shown in several Examples, that they understood them well. Telekles and Theodorus both produced half of the Statue of Apollo Pythius, one was on the Island Samos, the other in Ephesos. And yet both these parts fit so well together, that one could not have judged differently than that the Statue was from the hand of one Master. Which would have been impossible to them without the most thorough knowledge of Proportion. The General Proportion of a Beautiful Human figure can be explained quickly and without much elaboration; and it is unnecessary to come up with that much work, that many Models and so many words, as some have done: who yet, with all their different Examples have done more than half too much and not enough on the per mille [ndr: i.e. the smallest parts]. Because as one sets out to form more than just a few rules in the Human Proportion of the general uprightness of Man, one will be obligated to [ndr: create] an endless number of Examples; and as such will repeatedly do too much and often too little. For this Practice one should most of all notice that the proper rule of Proportion cannot be investigated more appropriately, than in a Figure, that is placed in a Simple, i.e. a Single and uncomplicated upright position, exempt of any movement or action.

TELEKLES, Apollo Pythius, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 43-44)
THEODOROS, Apollo Pythius, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 43-44)

TELEKLES
THEODOROS

Goeree uses the terms ‘ledenstemming’ and ‘proportie-maat’ next to eachother, suggesting a distinction between the two terms which does not become apparent in this extract. I have tentatively translated the term as division of the limbs. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The division of the limbs and the mesure of Proportion have always been held in great value by the Ancient Artists; and they have shown in several Examples, that they understood them well. Telekles and Theodorus both produced half of the Statue of Apollo Pythius, one was on the Island Samos, the other in Ephesos. And yet both these parts fit so well together, that one could not have judged differently than that the Statue was from the hand of one Master. Which would have been impossible to them without the most thorough knowledge of Proportion. The General Proportion of a Beautiful Human figure can be explained quickly and without much elaboration; and it is unnecessary to come up with that much work, that many Models and so many words, as some have done: who yet, with all their different Examples have done more than half too much and not enough on the per mille [ndr: i.e. the smallest parts]. Because as one sets out to form more than just a few rules in the Human Proportion of the general uprightness of Man, one will be obligated to [ndr: create] an endless number of Examples; and as such will repeatedly do too much and often too little. For this Practice one should most of all notice that the proper rule of Proportion cannot be investigated more appropriately, than in a Figure, that is placed in a Simple, i.e. a Single and uncomplicated upright position, exempt of any movement or action.

TELEKLES, Apollo Pythius, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 43-44)
THEODOROS, Apollo Pythius, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 43-44)

TELEKLES
THEODOROS

Goeree uses the terms ‘ledenstemming’ and ‘proportie-maat’ next to eachother, suggesting a distinction between the two terms which does not become apparent in this extract. I have tentatively translated the term as division of the limbs. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The division of the limbs and the mesure of Proportion have always been held in great value by the Ancient Artists; and they have shown in several Examples, that they understood them well. Telekles and Theodorus both produced half of the Statue of Apollo Pythius, one was on the Island Samos, the other in Ephesos. And yet both these parts fit so well together, that one could not have judged differently than that the Statue was from the hand of one Master. Which would have been impossible to them without the most thorough knowledge of Proportion. The General Proportion of a Beautiful Human figure can be explained quickly and without much elaboration; and it is unnecessary to come up with that much work, that many Models and so many words, as some have done: who yet, with all their different Examples have done more than half too much and not enough on the per mille [ndr: i.e. the smallest parts]. Because as one sets out to form more than just a few rules in the Human Proportion of the general uprightness of Man, one will be obligated to [ndr: create] an endless number of Examples; and as such will repeatedly do too much and often too little. For this Practice one should most of all notice that the proper rule of Proportion cannot be investigated more appropriately, than in a Figure, that is placed in a Simple, i.e. a Single and uncomplicated upright position, exempt of any movement or action.

TELEKLES, Apollo Pythius, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 43-44)
THEODOROS, Apollo Pythius, antique sculpture (dans GOEREE 1682, p. 43-44)

TELEKLES
THEODOROS

Goeree uses the terms ‘ledenstemming’ and ‘proportie-maat’ next to eachother, suggesting a distinction between the two terms which does not become apparent in this extract. I have tentatively translated the term as division of the limbs. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] …because who could formulate that many rules, moreover, who will remember as many, as the uncountable Positions, Actions and Movements in the different sizes of the Trunk of the Bodies that can be invented? which thoughts of the Artists can also be widely surpassed by endless coincidences: in comparison to this all the Examples given by Albrecht Dürer are as much as a bean in a stew [ndr: literal translation].

DÜRER, Albrecht

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When Leonardo da Vinci instructed his Pupils with regard to the Proportion, he told them to observe the Human Figures only lengthwise and not so much in their width. Explaining that in Nature the width is always proportioned after the length, and the length after the girth. {How some have mainly observed the Proportion lengthwise.} Since, he said, there is such a wonderful Wisdom in Nature, that everything that she creates, no matter which species, she combines it the most proper way and arranges it in relation to the others. And regarding to this the Painter should follow this Order in the Proportional Sizes of the Limbs, from which one sees that Nature usually embellishes; and makes it its purpose, to continuously produce these in this manner, and serve the Artists as Examples.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

Goeree refers specifically to the pupils of Leonardo da Vinci and the workshop practice in Da Vinci’s studio. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When Leonardo da Vinci instructed his Pupils with regard to the Proportion, he told them to observe the Human Figures only lengthwise and not so much in their width. Explaining that in Nature the width is always proportioned after the length, and the length after the girth. {How some have mainly observed the Proportion lengthwise.} Since, he said, there is such a wonderful Wisdom in Nature, that everything that she creates, no matter which species, she combines it the most proper way and arranges it in relation to the others. And regarding to this the Painter should follow this Order in the Proportional Sizes of the Limbs, from which one sees that Nature usually embellishes; and makes it its purpose, to continuously produce these in this manner, and serve the Artists as Examples.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

Goeree refers specifically to Leonardo da Vinci’s ideas on the proportion of the human body. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When Leonardo da Vinci instructed his Pupils with regard to the Proportion, he told them to observe the Human Figures only lengthwise and not so much in their width. Explaining that in Nature the width is always proportioned after the length, and the length after the girth. {How some have mainly observed the Proportion lengthwise.} Since, he said, there is such a wonderful Wisdom in Nature, that everything that she creates, no matter which species, she combines it the most proper way and arranges it in relation to the others. And regarding to this the Painter should follow this Order in the Proportional Sizes of the Limbs, from which one sees that Nature usually embellishes; and makes it its purpose, to continuously produce these in this manner, and serve the Artists as Examples.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

Goeree refers specifically to Leonardo da Vinci’s ideas on the proportion of the human body. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] When Leonardo da Vinci instructed his Pupils with regard to the Proportion, he told them to observe the Human Figures only lengthwise and not so much in their width. Explaining that in Nature the width is always proportioned after the length, and the length after the girth. {How some have mainly observed the Proportion lengthwise.} Since, he said, there is such a wonderful Wisdom in Nature, that everything that she creates, no matter which species, she combines it the most proper way and arranges it in relation to the others. And regarding to this the Painter should follow this Order in the Proportional Sizes of the Limbs, from which one sees that Nature usually embellishes; and makes it its purpose, to continuously produce these in this manner, and serve the Artists as Examples.

DA VINCI, Leonardo

Goeree refers specifically to Leonardo da Vinci’s ideas on the proportion of the human body. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The Common Height of a well-built Man, was generally guessed at six Feet-sizes; as some people measure truly only six of their own feet; and therefor are a little Taller than six Heads; some have not wanted to accept this as a Rule, since it is more common to take the Height of Eight Heads. No better Limb than the Head has yet been invented as a mesure for Proportion with which one can measure and proportion an entire Human figure; Here it [ndr: the head] is taken as the Modulus or Unit of Measure in the Art of Building. {The Head can be used as Modulus or Unit of Measure of the Body.}

The term is here connected to the term Modulus, as it is used in architecture. Goeree had finished his book on Architecture the previous year (1681). [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The Common Height of a well-built Man, was generally guessed at six Feet-sizes; as some people measure truly only six of their own feet; and therefor are a little Taller than six Heads; some have not wanted to accept this as a Rule, since it is more common to take the Height of Eight Heads. No better Limb than the Head has yet been invented as a mesure for Proportion with which one can measure and proportion an entire Human figure; Here it [ndr: the head] is taken as the Modulus or Unit of Measure in the Art of Building. {The Head can be used as Modulus or Unit of Measure of the Body.}

The term is here connected to the term Modulus, as it is used in architecture. Goeree had finished his book on Architecture the previous year (1681). [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The Common Height of a well-built Man, was generally guessed at six Feet-sizes; as some people measure truly only six of their own feet; and therefor are a little Taller than six Heads; some have not wanted to accept this as a Rule, since it is more common to take the Height of Eight Heads. No better Limb than the Head has yet been invented as a mesure for Proportion with which one can measure and proportion an entire Human figure; Here it [ndr: the head] is taken as the Modulus or Unit of Measure in the Art of Building. {The Head can be used as Modulus or Unit of Measure of the Body.}

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And although those who discussed the Proportion of Human Figures explain that one has to determine the Bodies with 7, 8 and 9 Heads, (amongst which the Proportion of 8 Heads is perceived as the most beautiful), one should however not think that one is always obligated to follow one of the said Laws of Measurement so closely, that one were not to diverge from them: While the Life and the Examples of the best Masters clarify sufficiently that they differ with great harmony in this. One should take notice that the Rules of Proportion only serve to ascertain some things about the matter; In order to point out, that when one carefully follows the formulated Rule, one will completely stay away from errors and general reprimands. The formulated Rules themselves teach sufficiently that which we intend to say: Because afterwards more than one Rule was provided for everything, although they were all based on the Example of the unspoiled Nature; From this it follows at least that Bodies can be beautifully proportioned in different Ways. {How they can be different and still good.}

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And although those who discussed the Proportion of Human Figures explain that one has to determine the Bodies with 7, 8 and 9 Heads, (amongst which the Proportion of 8 Heads is perceived as the most beautiful), one should however not think that one is always obligated to follow one of the said Laws of Measurement so closely, that one were not to diverge from them: While the Life and the Examples of the best Masters clarify sufficiently that they differ with great harmony in this. One should take notice that the Rules of Proportion only serve to ascertain some things about the matter; In order to point out, that when one carefully follows the formulated Rule, one will completely stay away from errors and general reprimands. The formulated Rules themselves teach sufficiently that which we intend to say: Because afterwards more than one Rule was provided for everything, although they were all based on the Example of the unspoiled Nature; From this it follows at least that Bodies can be beautifully proportioned in different Ways. {How they can be different and still good.}

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And although those who discussed the Proportion of Human Figures explain that one has to determine the Bodies with 7, 8 and 9 Heads, (amongst which the Proportion of 8 Heads is perceived as the most beautiful), one should however not think that one is always obligated to follow one of the said Laws of Measurement so closely, that one were not to diverge from them: While the Life and the Examples of the best Masters clarify sufficiently that they differ with great harmony in this. One should take notice that the Rules of Proportion only serve to ascertain some things about the matter; In order to point out, that when one carefully follows the formulated Rule, one will completely stay away from errors and general reprimands. The formulated Rules themselves teach sufficiently that which we intend to say: Because afterwards more than one Rule was provided for everything, although they were all based on the Example of the unspoiled Nature; From this it follows at least that Bodies can be beautifully proportioned in different Ways. {How they can be different and still good.}

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And although those who discussed the Proportion of Human Figures explain that one has to determine the Bodies with 7, 8 and 9 Heads, (amongst which the Proportion of 8 Heads is perceived as the most beautiful), one should however not think that one is always obligated to follow one of the said Laws of Measurement so closely, that one were not to diverge from them: While the Life and the Examples of the best Masters clarify sufficiently that they differ with great harmony in this. One should take notice that the Rules of Proportion only serve to ascertain some things about the matter; In order to point out, that when one carefully follows the formulated Rule, one will completely stay away from errors and general reprimands. The formulated Rules themselves teach sufficiently that which we intend to say: Because afterwards more than one Rule was provided for everything, although they were all based on the Example of the unspoiled Nature; From this it follows at least that Bodies can be beautifully proportioned in different Ways. {How they can be different and still good.}

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And although those who discussed the Proportion of Human Figures explain that one has to determine the Bodies with 7, 8 and 9 Heads, (amongst which the Proportion of 8 Heads is perceived as the most beautiful), one should however not think that one is always obligated to follow one of the said Laws of Measurement so closely, that one were not to diverge from them: While the Life and the Examples of the best Masters clarify sufficiently that they differ with great harmony in this. One should take notice that the Rules of Proportion only serve to ascertain some things about the matter; In order to point out, that when one carefully follows the formulated Rule, one will completely stay away from errors and general reprimands. The formulated Rules themselves teach sufficiently that which we intend to say: Because afterwards more than one Rule was provided for everything, although they were all based on the Example of the unspoiled Nature; From this it follows at least that Bodies can be beautifully proportioned in different Ways. {How they can be different and still good.}

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] And although those who discussed the Proportion of Human Figures explain that one has to determine the Bodies with 7, 8 and 9 Heads, (amongst which the Proportion of 8 Heads is perceived as the most beautiful), one should however not think that one is always obligated to follow one of the said Laws of Measurement so closely, that one were not to diverge from them: While the Life and the Examples of the best Masters clarify sufficiently that they differ with great harmony in this. One should take notice that the Rules of Proportion only serve to ascertain some things about the matter; In order to point out, that when one carefully follows the formulated Rule, one will completely stay away from errors and general reprimands. The formulated Rules themselves teach sufficiently that which we intend to say: Because afterwards more than one Rule was provided for everything, although they were all based on the Example of the unspoiled Nature; From this it follows at least that Bodies can be beautifully proportioned in different Ways. {How they can be different and still good.}

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Albrecht Dürer himself, who indeed appears to turned so much upside down, that everyone is almost disgusted to see so many Lessons on Measurement and Rules of Proportion, has attempted to free his Readers of this trouble. He clearly also saw that many easily tired Brains, would not be caught lazy to ask Whether it was really necessary to spend so many Rules and so much measuring and time on the Proportioning of Figures for the Anatomy, before they would be able to compose it flawlessly? I do not so much prescribe, he said, the exact measurement, but rather I teach that one may attempt to obtain – by retracing Nature through Industry and Diligence – a certainty that leans on the steady Reason; As those who have obtained such a steadiness of Eyes and Hand, will by nobody be expected to make such a Precise Measurement of Figures. And truly, when the Eyes have been prepared by the Rules of Art, than Eyesight itself becomes a Rule: and the Hand can confidently follow such a Guide, and avoid all Error.

DÜRER, Albrecht

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Albrecht Dürer himself, who indeed appears to turned so much upside down, that everyone is almost disgusted to see so many Lessons on Measurement and Rules of Proportion, has attempted to free his Readers of this trouble. He clearly also saw that many easily tired Brains, would not be caught lazy to ask Whether it was really necessary to spend so many Rules and so much measuring and time on the Proportioning of Figures for the Anatomy, before they would be able to compose it flawlessly? I do not so much prescribe, he said, the exact measurement, but rather I teach that one may attempt to obtain – by retracing Nature through Industry and Diligence – a certainty that leans on the steady Reason; As those who have obtained such a steadiness of Eyes and Hand, will by nobody be expected to make such a Precise Measurement of Figures. And truly, when the Eyes have been prepared by the Rules of Art, than Eyesight itself becomes a Rule: and the Hand can confidently follow such a Guide, and avoid all Error.

DÜRER, Albrecht

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Albrecht Dürer himself, who indeed appears to turned so much upside down, that everyone is almost disgusted to see so many Lessons on Measurement and Rules of Proportion, has attempted to free his Readers of this trouble. He clearly also saw that many easily tired Brains, would not be caught lazy to ask Whether it was really necessary to spend so many Rules and so much measuring and time on the Proportioning of Figures for the Anatomy, before they would be able to compose it flawlessly? I do not so much prescribe, he said, the exact measurement, but rather I teach that one may attempt to obtain – by retracing Nature through Industry and Diligence – a certainty that leans on the steady Reason; As those who have obtained such a steadiness of Eyes and Hand, will by nobody be expected to make such a Precise Measurement of Figures. And truly, when the Eyes have been prepared by the Rules of Art, than Eyesight itself becomes a Rule: and the Hand can confidently follow such a Guide, and avoid all Error.

DÜRER, Albrecht

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Albrecht Dürer himself, who indeed appears to turned so much upside down, that everyone is almost disgusted to see so many Lessons on Measurement and Rules of Proportion, has attempted to free his Readers of this trouble. He clearly also saw that many easily tired Brains, would not be caught lazy to ask Whether it was really necessary to spend so many Rules and so much measuring and time on the Proportioning of Figures for the Anatomy, before they would be able to compose it flawlessly? I do not so much prescribe, he said, the exact measurement, but rather I teach that one may attempt to obtain – by retracing Nature through Industry and Diligence – a certainty that leans on the steady Reason; As those who have obtained such a steadiness of Eyes and Hand, will by nobody be expected to make such a Precise Measurement of Figures. And truly, when the Eyes have been prepared by the Rules of Art, than Eyesight itself becomes a Rule: and the Hand can confidently follow such a Guide, and avoid all Error.

DÜRER, Albrecht

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Albrecht Dürer himself, who indeed appears to turned so much upside down, that everyone is almost disgusted to see so many Lessons on Measurement and Rules of Proportion, has attempted to free his Readers of this trouble. He clearly also saw that many easily tired Brains, would not be caught lazy to ask Whether it was really necessary to spend so many Rules and so much measuring and time on the Proportioning of Figures for the Anatomy, before they would be able to compose it flawlessly? I do not so much prescribe, he said, the exact measurement, but rather I teach that one may attempt to obtain – by retracing Nature through Industry and Diligence – a certainty that leans on the steady Reason; As those who have obtained such a steadiness of Eyes and Hand, will by nobody be expected to make such a Precise Measurement of Figures. And truly, when the Eyes have been prepared by the Rules of Art, than Eyesight itself becomes a Rule: and the Hand can confidently follow such a Guide, and avoid all Error.

DÜRER, Albrecht

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Albrecht Dürer himself, who indeed appears to turned so much upside down, that everyone is almost disgusted to see so many Lessons on Measurement and Rules of Proportion, has attempted to free his Readers of this trouble. He clearly also saw that many easily tired Brains, would not be caught lazy to ask Whether it was really necessary to spend so many Rules and so much measuring and time on the Proportioning of Figures for the Anatomy, before they would be able to compose it flawlessly? I do not so much prescribe, he said, the exact measurement, but rather I teach that one may attempt to obtain – by retracing Nature through Industry and Diligence – a certainty that leans on the steady Reason; As those who have obtained such a steadiness of Eyes and Hand, will by nobody be expected to make such a Precise Measurement of Figures. And truly, when the Eyes have been prepared by the Rules of Art, than Eyesight itself becomes a Rule: and the Hand can confidently follow such a Guide, and avoid all Error.

DÜRER, Albrecht

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Albrecht Dürer himself, who indeed appears to turned so much upside down, that everyone is almost disgusted to see so many Lessons on Measurement and Rules of Proportion, has attempted to free his Readers of this trouble. He clearly also saw that many easily tired Brains, would not be caught lazy to ask Whether it was really necessary to spend so many Rules and so much measuring and time on the Proportioning of Figures for the Anatomy, before they would be able to compose it flawlessly? I do not so much prescribe, he said, the exact measurement, but rather I teach that one may attempt to obtain – by retracing Nature through Industry and Diligence – a certainty that leans on the steady Reason; As those who have obtained such a steadiness of Eyes and Hand, will by nobody be expected to make such a Precise Measurement of Figures. And truly, when the Eyes have been prepared by the Rules of Art, than Eyesight itself becomes a Rule: and the Hand can confidently follow such a Guide, and avoid all Error.

DÜRER, Albrecht

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Albrecht Dürer himself, who indeed appears to turned so much upside down, that everyone is almost disgusted to see so many Lessons on Measurement and Rules of Proportion, has attempted to free his Readers of this trouble. He clearly also saw that many easily tired Brains, would not be caught lazy to ask Whether it was really necessary to spend so many Rules and so much measuring and time on the Proportioning of Figures for the Anatomy, before they would be able to compose it flawlessly? I do not so much prescribe, he said, the exact measurement, but rather I teach that one may attempt to obtain – by retracing Nature through Industry and Diligence – a certainty that leans on the steady Reason; As those who have obtained such a steadiness of Eyes and Hand, will by nobody be expected to make such a Precise Measurement of Figures. And truly, when the Eyes have been prepared by the Rules of Art, than Eyesight itself becomes a Rule: and the Hand can confidently follow such a Guide, and avoid all Error.

DÜRER, Albrecht

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Albrecht Dürer himself, who indeed appears to turned so much upside down, that everyone is almost disgusted to see so many Lessons on Measurement and Rules of Proportion, has attempted to free his Readers of this trouble. He clearly also saw that many easily tired Brains, would not be caught lazy to ask Whether it was really necessary to spend so many Rules and so much measuring and time on the Proportioning of Figures for the Anatomy, before they would be able to compose it flawlessly? I do not so much prescribe, he said, the exact measurement, but rather I teach that one may attempt to obtain – by retracing Nature through Industry and Diligence – a certainty that leans on the steady Reason; As those who have obtained such a steadiness of Eyes and Hand, will by nobody be expected to make such a Precise Measurement of Figures. And truly, when the Eyes have been prepared by the Rules of Art, than Eyesight itself becomes a Rule: and the Hand can confidently follow such a Guide, and avoid all Error.

DÜRER, Albrecht

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The Milanese painter Giovanni Paolo Lomazzo has published a highly Praiseworthy Book of the Natural Proportion of Human Figures; In which he also discusses the division of the limbs of Horses; Which study was also much praised by his translator Hillaire Pader, who translated it into the French Language. {Lomazzo praised.} And like this diligent Master has proposed some Examples of Male and Female Proportions in it [ndr: the book], as such we believe that the Sketch of the Male Figure that is regulated after the Teaching of the aforementioned Da Vinci, by means of 10 Faces in Height and Proportional in its width, and comes down to circa 7 ½ Heads, does not only have a very good Proportion, but that it also offers an easy and recognizable Division. We insert it here, copied according to its own composition [ndr: reference to illustration] and recommend its Observation and Judgement to the Art-Practitioner, […]

GOEREE, Willem et ANONYME, Man-lyke Proportie volgens Lomazzo , estampe, dans GOEREE, Willem, Natuurlyk en schilderkonstig Ontwerp der Menschkunde leerende niet alleen de kennis van de Gestalte, Proportie, Schoonheyd, Muskelen, Bewegingen, Actien, Passien, en Welstand der Menschbeelden : Tot de Teykenkunde, Schilderkunde, Beeldhouwery, Bootseer en Giet-Oeffening toepassen : maar ook hoe sich een Mensch na deselve Regelen, in allerhande Doeningh van Gaan, Staan, Loopen, Torssen, Dragen, Arbeyden, Spreken en andere Gebeerden : Bevallig en Verstandilijk aanstellen zal, Amsterdam, Wilhelmus Goeree, 1682, p. 73.

DA VINCI, Leonardo
LOMAZZO, Giovanni Paolo
PADER, Hilaire

Goeree identifies the reader of his book with this term. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] The Milanese painter Giovanni Paolo Lomazzo has published a highly Praiseworthy Book of the Natural Proportion of Human Figures; In which he also discusses the division of the limbs of Horses; Which study was also much praised by his translator Hillaire Pader, who translated it into the French Language. {Lomazzo praised.} And like this diligent Master has proposed some Examples of Male and Female Proportions in it [ndr: the book], as such we believe that the Sketch of the Male Figure that is regulated after the Teaching of the aforementioned Da Vinci, by means of 10 Faces in Height and Proportional in its width, and comes down to circa 7 ½ Heads, does not only have a very good Proportion, but that it also offers an easy and recognizable Division. We insert it here, copied according to its own composition [ndr: reference to illustration] and recommend its Observation and Judgement to the Art-Practitioner, […]

GOEREE, Willem et ANONYME, Man-lyke Proportie volgens Lomazzo , estampe, dans GOEREE, Willem, Natuurlyk en schilderkonstig Ontwerp der Menschkunde leerende niet alleen de kennis van de Gestalte, Proportie, Schoonheyd, Muskelen, Bewegingen, Actien, Passien, en Welstand der Menschbeelden : Tot de Teykenkunde, Schilderkunde, Beeldhouwery, Bootseer en Giet-Oeffening toepassen : maar ook hoe sich een Mensch na deselve Regelen, in allerhande Doeningh van Gaan, Staan, Loopen, Torssen, Dragen, Arbeyden, Spreken en andere Gebeerden : Bevallig en Verstandilijk aanstellen zal, Amsterdam, Wilhelmus Goeree, 1682, p. 73.

DA VINCI, Leonardo
LOMAZZO, Giovanni Paolo
PADER, Hilaire

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] One should not neglect to mention regarding the Art of Painting that there are three types of Proportion to take into account, which – no matter how much they may differ from eachother – nevertheless must all be considered to fall within the possibility. We believe there is a Natural and Mathematical Proportion; to which the Proportion of Harmony and the Gracefulness should be added. And as long as the Human Figures occur judiciously according to one of these three Types or to all three simultaneously, they will be without Reprimand. The first two are fixed; and one may only resort to the latter, when the Natural Law of Mesure seizes to exist or threatens to leave us, that is, when she cannot allow such grace nor different nice Contortions in a certain Decision, if the necessity and harmony of a special Action demands from us; In which cases one often finds himself impeded and obstructed; {When and how the three sorts of Proportion should be practiced.} To show sufficiently that one leaves the Mathematical Proportion, one should attempt to hide the flaws of it as much as possible so that at least the deprivation is not easily recognized: or so that a wise Eye can discover it; as such the well-composed and well-invented Action are so virtuous, that they can conquer the Spectator completely, and oblige him to praise it rather than to despise it. Since a sensible Man can easily understand, where and in which case or necessity one has managed to use the painterly Freedom to his advantage or where the mind did not function.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] One should not neglect to mention regarding the Art of Painting that there are three types of Proportion to take into account, which – no matter how much they may differ from eachother – nevertheless must all be considered to fall within the possibility. We believe there is a Natural and Mathematical Proportion; to which the Proportion of Harmony and the Gracefulness should be added. And as long as the Human Figures occur judiciously according to one of these three Types or to all three simultaneously, they will be without Reprimand. The first two are fixed; and one may only resort to the latter, when the Natural Law of Mesure seizes to exist or threatens to leave us, that is, when she cannot allow such grace nor different nice Contortions in a certain Decision, if the necessity and harmony of a special Action demands from us; In which cases one often finds himself impeded and obstructed; {When and how the three sorts of Proportion should be practiced.} To show sufficiently that one leaves the Mathematical Proportion, one should attempt to hide the flaws of it as much as possible so that at least the deprivation is not easily recognized: or so that a wise Eye can discover it; as such the well-composed and well-invented Action are so virtuous, that they can conquer the Spectator completely, and oblige him to praise it rather than to despise it. Since a sensible Man can easily understand, where and in which case or necessity one has managed to use the painterly Freedom to his advantage or where the mind did not function.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] One should not neglect to mention regarding the Art of Painting that there are three types of Proportion to take into account, which – no matter how much they may differ from eachother – nevertheless must all be considered to fall within the possibility. We believe there is a Natural and Mathematical Proportion; to which the Proportion of Harmony and the Gracefulness should be added. And as long as the Human Figures occur judiciously according to one of these three Types or to all three simultaneously, they will be without Reprimand. The first two are fixed; and one may only resort to the latter, when the Natural Law of Mesure seizes to exist or threatens to leave us, that is, when she cannot allow such grace nor different nice Contortions in a certain Decision, if the necessity and harmony of a special Action demands from us; In which cases one often finds himself impeded and obstructed; {When and how the three sorts of Proportion should be practiced.} To show sufficiently that one leaves the Mathematical Proportion, one should attempt to hide the flaws of it as much as possible so that at least the deprivation is not easily recognized: or so that a wise Eye can discover it; as such the well-composed and well-invented Action are so virtuous, that they can conquer the Spectator completely, and oblige him to praise it rather than to despise it. Since a sensible Man can easily understand, where and in which case or necessity one has managed to use the painterly Freedom to his advantage or where the mind did not function.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] One should not neglect to mention regarding the Art of Painting that there are three types of Proportion to take into account, which – no matter how much they may differ from eachother – nevertheless must all be considered to fall within the possibility. We believe there is a Natural and Mathematical Proportion; to which the Proportion of Harmony and the Gracefulness should be added. And as long as the Human Figures occur judiciously according to one of these three Types or to all three simultaneously, they will be without Reprimand. The first two are fixed; and one may only resort to the latter, when the Natural Law of Mesure seizes to exist or threatens to leave us, that is, when she cannot allow such grace nor different nice Contortions in a certain Decision, if the necessity and harmony of a special Action demands from us; In which cases one often finds himself impeded and obstructed; {When and how the three sorts of Proportion should be practiced.} To show sufficiently that one leaves the Mathematical Proportion, one should attempt to hide the flaws of it as much as possible so that at least the deprivation is not easily recognized: or so that a wise Eye can discover it; as such the well-composed and well-invented Action are so virtuous, that they can conquer the Spectator completely, and oblige him to praise it rather than to despise it. Since a sensible Man can easily understand, where and in which case or necessity one has managed to use the painterly Freedom to his advantage or where the mind did not function.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] One should not neglect to mention regarding the Art of Painting that there are three types of Proportion to take into account, which – no matter how much they may differ from eachother – nevertheless must all be considered to fall within the possibility. We believe there is a Natural and Mathematical Proportion; to which the Proportion of Harmony and the Gracefulness should be added. And as long as the Human Figures occur judiciously according to one of these three Types or to all three simultaneously, they will be without Reprimand. The first two are fixed; and one may only resort to the latter, when the Natural Law of Mesure seizes to exist or threatens to leave us, that is, when she cannot allow such grace nor different nice Contortions in a certain Decision, if the necessity and harmony of a special Action demands from us; In which cases one often finds himself impeded and obstructed; {When and how the three sorts of Proportion should be practiced.} To show sufficiently that one leaves the Mathematical Proportion, one should attempt to hide the flaws of it as much as possible so that at least the deprivation is not easily recognized: or so that a wise Eye can discover it; as such the well-composed and well-invented Action are so virtuous, that they can conquer the Spectator completely, and oblige him to praise it rather than to despise it. Since a sensible Man can easily understand, where and in which case or necessity one has managed to use the painterly Freedom to his advantage or where the mind did not function.

Goeree identifies three types of proportion: natural (natuurlijk), mathematical (maatredig) and esthetic (des welstaans). [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] One should not neglect to mention regarding the Art of Painting that there are three types of Proportion to take into account, which – no matter how much they may differ from eachother – nevertheless must all be considered to fall within the possibility. We believe there is a Natural and Mathematical Proportion; to which the Proportion of Harmony and the Gracefulness should be added. And as long as the Human Figures occur judiciously according to one of these three Types or to all three simultaneously, they will be without Reprimand. The first two are fixed; and one may only resort to the latter, when the Natural Law of Mesure seizes to exist or threatens to leave us, that is, when she cannot allow such grace nor different nice Contortions in a certain Decision, if the necessity and harmony of a special Action demands from us; In which cases one often finds himself impeded and obstructed; {When and how the three sorts of Proportion should be practiced.} To show sufficiently that one leaves the Mathematical Proportion, one should attempt to hide the flaws of it as much as possible so that at least the deprivation is not easily recognized: or so that a wise Eye can discover it; as such the well-composed and well-invented Action are so virtuous, that they can conquer the Spectator completely, and oblige him to praise it rather than to despise it. Since a sensible Man can easily understand, where and in which case or necessity one has managed to use the painterly Freedom to his advantage or where the mind did not function.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] One should not neglect to mention regarding the Art of Painting that there are three types of Proportion to take into account, which – no matter how much they may differ from eachother – nevertheless must all be considered to fall within the possibility. We believe there is a Natural and Mathematical Proportion; to which the Proportion of Harmony and the Gracefulness should be added. And as long as the Human Figures occur judiciously according to one of these three Types or to all three simultaneously, they will be without Reprimand. The first two are fixed; and one may only resort to the latter, when the Natural Law of Mesure seizes to exist or threatens to leave us, that is, when she cannot allow such grace nor different nice Contortions in a certain Decision, if the necessity and harmony of a special Action demands from us; In which cases one often finds himself impeded and obstructed; {When and how the three sorts of Proportion should be practiced.} To show sufficiently that one leaves the Mathematical Proportion, one should attempt to hide the flaws of it as much as possible so that at least the deprivation is not easily recognized: or so that a wise Eye can discover it; as such the well-composed and well-invented Action are so virtuous, that they can conquer the Spectator completely, and oblige him to praise it rather than to despise it. Since a sensible Man can easily understand, where and in which case or necessity one has managed to use the painterly Freedom to his advantage or where the mind did not function.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] One should not neglect to mention regarding the Art of Painting that there are three types of Proportion to take into account, which – no matter how much they may differ from eachother – nevertheless must all be considered to fall within the possibility. We believe there is a Natural and Mathematical Proportion; to which the Proportion of Harmony and the Gracefulness should be added. And as long as the Human Figures occur judiciously according to one of these three Types or to all three simultaneously, they will be without Reprimand. The first two are fixed; and one may only resort to the latter, when the Natural Law of Mesure seizes to exist or threatens to leave us, that is, when she cannot allow such grace nor different nice Contortions in a certain Decision, if the necessity and harmony of a special Action demands from us; In which cases one often finds himself impeded and obstructed; {When and how the three sorts of Proportion should be practiced.} To show sufficiently that one leaves the Mathematical Proportion, one should attempt to hide the flaws of it as much as possible so that at least the deprivation is not easily recognized: or so that a wise Eye can discover it; as such the well-composed and well-invented Action are so virtuous, that they can conquer the Spectator completely, and oblige him to praise it rather than to despise it. Since a sensible Man can easily understand, where and in which case or necessity one has managed to use the painterly Freedom to his advantage or where the mind did not function.

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Albrecht Dürer tended to say: all that is besides necessity does not provide Harmony. Indeed if this great Master had taken that Lesson into account, it would have been even more praiseworthy of him or talked about him.

DÜRER, Albrecht

Goeree refers to the value of Dürer’s writing, while dismissing the artist’s neglect of his own wisdom. [MO]

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] …like the Physicians and Surgeons by the dozens (since mass-producers are botchers?) have pointed out different Shapes of Heads; which – as they most of all diverge from the generally Beautiful and Well-made – do not need to be repeated here, while the Art of Painting can do without all Deformity. There are so many elements in the common Lump or Form of the Head, that a Portrait or Face that is Painted after Life, cannot even resemble it a bit, if the General [characteristics] of the whole Head have not been observed in it, as we have elaborately taught in our Teykenkunde [ndr: reference to his own book].

GOEREE, Willem

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] …like the Physicians and Surgeons by the dozens (since mass-producers are botchers?) have pointed out different Shapes of Heads; which – as they most of all diverge from the generally Beautiful and Well-made – do not need to be repeated here, while the Art of Painting can do without all Deformity. There are so many elements in the common Lump or Form of the Head, that a Portrait or Face that is Painted after Life, cannot even resemble it a bit, if the General [characteristics] of the whole Head have not been observed in it, as we have elaborately taught in our Teykenkunde [ndr: reference to his own book].

GOEREE, Willem

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] …like the Physicians and Surgeons by the dozens (since mass-producers are botchers?) have pointed out different Shapes of Heads; which – as they most of all diverge from the generally Beautiful and Well-made – do not need to be repeated here, while the Art of Painting can do without all Deformity. There are so many elements in the common Lump or Form of the Head, that a Portrait or Face that is Painted after Life, cannot even resemble it a bit, if the General [characteristics] of the whole Head have not been observed in it, as we have elaborately taught in our Teykenkunde [ndr: reference to his own book].

GOEREE, Willem

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] …like the Physicians and Surgeons by the dozens (since mass-producers are botchers?) have pointed out different Shapes of Heads; which – as they most of all diverge from the generally Beautiful and Well-made – do not need to be repeated here, while the Art of Painting can do without all Deformity. There are so many elements in the common Lump or Form of the Head, that a Portrait or Face that is Painted after Life, cannot even resemble it a bit, if the General [characteristics] of the whole Head have not been observed in it, as we have elaborately taught in our Teykenkunde [ndr: reference to his own book].

GOEREE, Willem

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] …like the Physicians and Surgeons by the dozens (since mass-producers are botchers?) have pointed out different Shapes of Heads; which – as they most of all diverge from the generally Beautiful and Well-made – do not need to be repeated here, while the Art of Painting can do without all Deformity. There are so many elements in the common Lump or Form of the Head, that a Portrait or Face that is Painted after Life, cannot even resemble it a bit, if the General [characteristics] of the whole Head have not been observed in it, as we have elaborately taught in our Teykenkunde [ndr: reference to his own book].

GOEREE, Willem

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] …like the Physicians and Surgeons by the dozens (since mass-producers are botchers?) have pointed out different Shapes of Heads; which – as they most of all diverge from the generally Beautiful and Well-made – do not need to be repeated here, while the Art of Painting can do without all Deformity. There are so many elements in the common Lump or Form of the Head, that a Portrait or Face that is Painted after Life, cannot even resemble it a bit, if the General [characteristics] of the whole Head have not been observed in it, as we have elaborately taught in our Teykenkunde [ndr: reference to his own book].

GOEREE, Willem

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As Man is made from one Blood; and all Actions that spring from the passions of the Mind - and do not depend on the Civil Traditions (because they differ far too much) – can be found in everyone, therefor we conclude (for as far as the Actions are concerned), from the observation of the Painted Movements, just like that which we are used to think, do and want in such a Posture, Action or Gesture, we truly see it happen before our Eyes. It was said of the Netherlandish Painter Jan van Eyck that he had painted a Cecilia playing on the Organ in the company of singing Angels; In which [ndr: painting] the Actions were so naturally conceived, that a wise Singer could see from their mouth and cheeks, who sang the bass, the tenor, the altus or the superius.

VAN EYCK, Jan

[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] As Man is made from one Blood; and all Actions that spring from the passions of the Mind - and do not depend on the Civil Traditions (because they differ far too much) – can be found in everyone, therefor we conclude (for as far as the Actions are concerned), from the observation of the Painted Movements, just like that which we are used to think, do and want in such a Posture, Action or Gesture, we truly see it happen before our Eyes. It was said of the Netherlandish Painter Jan van Eyck that he had painted a Cecilia playing on the Organ in the company of singing Angels; In which [ndr: painting] the Actions were so naturally conceived, that a wise Singer could see from their mouth and cheeks, who sang the bass, the tenor, the altus or the superius.

VAN EYCK, Jan