Background Information for The Vitruvian Man
The Vitruvian Man, by Leonardo Da Vinci, also known as the canon of properties and proportions of man, is based off of human proportions and observations. Da Vinci’s main source of inspiration for this drawing came from the work of Vitruvius, a well known roman architect. Da Vinci’s background in anatomy and geometry gave him the ability to blend science and art to create this masterpiece.
Interpretation of The Vitruvian Man
Although Da Vinci’s basis for this drawing was from the work of Vitruvius, the sketch goes way beyond the mathematical and geometric figures of the human body. Da Vinci is able to shift the height, length, and width proportionally to a human figure. Notice that this picture has one abdomen and one head, but four legs, and four arms. With the added arms and legs and the shifted limbs, the drawing allows 16 different poses to be observed. The Vitruvian Man shows the mix between art and science and the brilliant way Leonardo Da Vinci was able to combine his observations and knowledge to create one of the most famous drawings of not only the Renaissance, but all time.
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