Leonardo da Vinci's
The Vitruvian
Circa 1490
on loan from the
Gallerie dell' Academia
Venice, Italy
The title Vitruvian Man comes from a Roman architect who studied the ideal anatomical proportions of man. Leonardo adds to this Roman's work by raising the arms and placing the second pose on a circle. Containing man into both a circle and square is an implied symbol of the essential symmetry of the human body. When I copied this sketch I started with the circle and square and then it was pretty easy to sketch. That is a great tip for future drawings. Sketch the large shapes first and then move inward.
Below is a translation of his notes having to do with basic proportions. Even today there is much variance about how many heads make a man, 7.5 or 8 etc. But the basics are still here.
Come to the gala opening on the 29th to see the real thing!
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