Leonardo da VINCI, Vitruvian Man

LEE SHEN YEEK 1200771 

The Vitruvian Man is a drawing created by Leonardo da Vinci circa 1487. It is accompanied by notes based on the work of the architect, Vitruvius. 

Vitruvian Man, The Proportions of the Human Figure

The pen and ink drawing by Leonardo da Vinci, depicting a man fitting his body to a circle and a square by adjusting the position of his arms and legs, is probably the most famous drawing in the world. It is called Vitruvian Man.

Vitruvius was an ancient Roman architect who wrote a series of ten books on architecture - one of the few collections of books of its type that survived into the Renaissance. He justifies this by stating that the human body with arms and legs extended fits into the perfect geometric forms, the circle, and the square.

Vitruvius discussed proper symmetry and proportion as related to the building of temples. The architect believed that the proportions and measurements of the human body, which was divinely created, were perfect and correct. He therefore proposed that a properly constructed temple should reflect and relate to the parts of the human body. He noted that a human body can be symmetrically inscribed within both a circle and a square; this idea influenced his architectural practice.

Leonardo's illustration of the theory of Vitruvius is a pen ink drawing of a male figure whose outstretched limbs touch the circumference of a circle and the edges of a square. His navel falls in the exact center of the circle.

He is simultaneously within the circle and the square; movement and liveliness are suggested by the figure's active arms and legs. Leonardo's figure appears as a living being with unruly hair, distinct facial features and a strong build. While the subject is lively, thin lines on his form show the significant points of the proportion scheme. 

The purpose of the illustration is to bring together ideas about art, architecture, human anatomy and symmetry in one distinct and commanding image. By combing text and illustration, da Vinci evokes a meaning which could not be created through words or image alone.




Analysis
Circle- associated to God- infinity


Square- static earthly 
qualities- dependable


Perfectly balanced human proportion - when the hands are stretched out touching the circumference of a circle.


The navel is right in the middle.

LEE SHEN YEEK 1200771