Da Vinci’s ideal human physique proportions are represented in the famous Vitruvian Man sketch. The writing above and below the circle and square is based on a passage in Book III of Vitruvius’ work De Architectura (20 – 30 BCE).Da Vinci did not actually depict Vitruvius’ limb proportions in his measurements, but rather the ones he discovered from examining models in Milan.
Leonardo da Vinci is often regarded as one of the finest artists in the history of art and is often acknowledged as the pioneer of the High Renaissance period.
This artwork perfectly exemplifies Leonardo da Vinci’s intense focus on proportion. Furthermore, this painting is a cornerstone of his endeavors to connect man to nature.
The square represents the earth, all physical manifestations, and our position on the planet through the four elements, four seasons, and four directions. Humans were a mirror of the heavenly, existing within a circle.
Da Vinci split the centers of the two poses, one for the circle oriented at the navel and one for the square at the genital area. This method is thought to have been proposed by Giacomo Andrea.
The original artwork is preserved in the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, Italy, and is only sometimes displayed to the public, as are most artworks produced on paper from that period.
Leonardo had no intention of displaying the Vitruvian Man. The drawing was uncovered in a personal journal of the High Renaissance artist. The work was purely for the artist’s personal use.
Marcus Vitruvius was the author of the text De Architectura. All of the masters studied it and attempted to apply its teachings, particularly Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.