Book Information
| Title: | "Theory of the Human Figure, Considered in its Principles, Whether at Rest or in Motion." |
| Author: | Rubens, Peter Paul |
| Publication Year: | 1773 |
| Source: | https://archive.org/details/theoriedelafigur00rube |
About this book:
This book was published in 1773 by Charles-Antoine Jombert, translating Peter Paul Rubens' "Theory of the Human Figure," along with a second part on Principles of Drawing.
The Rubens section, though based on his designs and writings, was likely a personal collection of notes rather than a polished treatise. It explores geometric principles like the cube for the masculine form and the circle for the feminine, drawing parallels between human and animal anatomy, and analyzing how ancient statues represented figures at rest and in motion.
The second part provides practical advice for artists, emphasizing the importance of studying great masters, anatomy, and drawing from life and sculptures, with numerous illustrative plates to guide aspiring artists.