VITRUVIAN MAN
on the planning of temples
Vitruvius, De Architectura:
THE PLANNING OF TEMPLES
1. The planning of temples
depends upon symmetry: and the method of
this architects must diligently apprehend. It arises from proportion
(which in Greek is called analogia). Proportion consists in taking a
fixed module, in each case, both for the parts of a building and for
the whole, by which the method of symmetry is put to practice. For
without symmetry and proportion no temple can have a regular plan; that
is, it must have an exact proportion worked out after the fashion of
the members of a finely-shaped human body.
2. For Nature has so planned
the human body that the face from the chin to the top of the forehead
and the roots of the hair is a tenth part; also the palm of the hand
from the wrist to the top of the middle finger is as much; the head
from the chin to the crown, an eighth part; from the top of the breast
with the bottom of the neck to the roots of the hair, a sixth part;
from the middle of the breast to the crown, a fourth part; a third part
of the height of the face is from the bottom of the chin to the bottom
of the nostrils; the nose from the bottom of the nostrils to the line
between the brows, as much; from that line to the roots of the hair,
the forehead is given as the third part. The foot is a sixth of the
height of the body; the cubit a quarter, the breast also a quarter. The
other limbs also have their own proportionate measurements. And by
using these, ancient painters and famous sculptors have attained great
and unbounded distinction.
3. In like fashion the members of temples
ought to have dimensions of their several parts answering suitably to
the general sum of their whole magnitude. Now the navel is naturally
the exact centre of the body. For if a man lies on his back with hands
and feet outspread, and the centre of a circle is placed on his navel,
his figure and toes will be touched by the circumference. Also a square
will be found described within the figure, in the same way as a round
figure is produced. For if we measure from the sole of the foot to the
top of the head, and apply the measure to the outstretched hands, the
breadth will be found equal to the height, just like sites which are
squared by rule.
4. Therefore if Nature has planned the human body so
that the members correspond in their proportions to its complete
configuration, the ancients seem to have had reason in determining that
in the execution of their works they should observe an exact adjustment
of the several members to the general pattern of the plan. Therefore,
since in all their works they handed down orders, they did so
especially in building temples, the excellences and the faults of which
usually endure for ages.
Book 3, c. I1