[suggested translation, Marije Osnabrugge:] Before one moves on to the drawing after the life, it is most important to know, whether the model is adequate, that is beautiful and well-made for a man of his age; which is why we do not think it is useless, to give some indication about it, how it should generally be proportioned to be called beautiful. A beautiful and well-made male model, most of all has a strong and mature posture, to be able to study it better from a reasonable distance. Not too thick or extremely fat; but generally quite muscular. Broad shoulders. Fleshy back. Elevated chest. The hips small, yet sizable nonetheless. The stomach not bloathed. The kneecaps clearly defined. The legs straight: and the feet turned a little outwards. The fingers long, but not pointy. The toes the same, and closed from the big toe onwards. What the face is concerned, that will show itself; and while no character, that is not one in particular, is necessary for drawing after the model, it is not so important. Once such a man has been found, I think he is very convenient to use.

The German translator frequently translates ‘naar het leven tekenen’ with drawing after the model (das Modell nachzeichnen). [MO]