DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.48092#0250
CHAPTER XII.
THE FOUR BOOKS OF HUMAN PROPORTION.
Two years before the publication of the Doctrine of Measure-
ment, Diirer intended to print it and the Four Books of Human
Proportion as one volume, and to dedicate the whole to Pirk-
heimer. The sketch for this dedication (IV. 141 ; see below,
p. 253) is dated 18 October, 1523, and runs as follows :
“To the prudent, most worthy and honourable, Wilibald Pirkheimer,
formerly Councillor and Servant to his Imperial Majesty, Lord Maxi-
milian of most praiseworthy memory, and Member of the Council of
Niirnberg, my gracious Master, I, Albrecht Diirer, of that city, in all
humility wish peace in the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
It has often come to pass that the speech between us has turned
upon the different arts. When, amongst other things, I enquired of
you whether there were any books which treat of the manner in which
the human body should be depicted, you answered me that, though
without doubt there had been such, they have not come down to us.
Reflecting thereafter upon the matter, I began to search out this art for
myself, if such might or could be discovered ; and what of such matters
I then found out and invented, that I brought to you that you might
inspect it. Thereupon you gave it as your opinion that I should publish
it. But I, fearing it was not good enough, thought that it might not
escape censure; and that the more, if the like books, the works of the
ancients, were afterwards to be found, and were to bring my theory to
nought. Howbeit you still wished me to give it to the light, and I
have accordingly done so. Should anything better be discovered, that
would be a fact in no wise harmful either to it or to me. .
Wherefore I have not wished to deny and refuse your desire, and
finally your request, repeatedly urged upon me; but I have preferred to
render ready obedience to you, most trusted Master, rather than by
refusing you to seem unthankful. Accordingly, in deference to the
opinion of you, my patron, I will lay aside my own opinion about the
book here following, and I will dedicate it to you, gracious Master and
great Friend, worthy as you are of high praise.
If I do not put this forward in such elegant phrasing as I should,
you will assuredly bear in mind that I have spent all my days upon
15—2
THE FOUR BOOKS OF HUMAN PROPORTION.
Two years before the publication of the Doctrine of Measure-
ment, Diirer intended to print it and the Four Books of Human
Proportion as one volume, and to dedicate the whole to Pirk-
heimer. The sketch for this dedication (IV. 141 ; see below,
p. 253) is dated 18 October, 1523, and runs as follows :
“To the prudent, most worthy and honourable, Wilibald Pirkheimer,
formerly Councillor and Servant to his Imperial Majesty, Lord Maxi-
milian of most praiseworthy memory, and Member of the Council of
Niirnberg, my gracious Master, I, Albrecht Diirer, of that city, in all
humility wish peace in the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
It has often come to pass that the speech between us has turned
upon the different arts. When, amongst other things, I enquired of
you whether there were any books which treat of the manner in which
the human body should be depicted, you answered me that, though
without doubt there had been such, they have not come down to us.
Reflecting thereafter upon the matter, I began to search out this art for
myself, if such might or could be discovered ; and what of such matters
I then found out and invented, that I brought to you that you might
inspect it. Thereupon you gave it as your opinion that I should publish
it. But I, fearing it was not good enough, thought that it might not
escape censure; and that the more, if the like books, the works of the
ancients, were afterwards to be found, and were to bring my theory to
nought. Howbeit you still wished me to give it to the light, and I
have accordingly done so. Should anything better be discovered, that
would be a fact in no wise harmful either to it or to me. .
Wherefore I have not wished to deny and refuse your desire, and
finally your request, repeatedly urged upon me; but I have preferred to
render ready obedience to you, most trusted Master, rather than by
refusing you to seem unthankful. Accordingly, in deference to the
opinion of you, my patron, I will lay aside my own opinion about the
book here following, and I will dedicate it to you, gracious Master and
great Friend, worthy as you are of high praise.
If I do not put this forward in such elegant phrasing as I should,
you will assuredly bear in mind that I have spent all my days upon
15—2