The Vitruvian Man is a world-renowned drawing created by Leonardo da Vinci around the year 1492. It depicts a nude male figure in two superimposed positions with his arms and legs apart and simultaneously inscribed in a circle and square. Leonardo based his drawing on some hints at correlations of ideal human proportions with geometry.These ideas of human proportions and geometry play into the aesthetics of ballet line. Like the flower below, there is geometry in our physical instruments that we engage as we train. Working in ballet helps the body to flower into its most extended expression.
How does it feel to look at the Vitruvian Man? How would it feel to be the Vitruvian Man? Does standing in first position with arms in second feel the same way? If not, why not?
And to think (if he were a real person) he would have started out looking like this. What would it feel like to be this little guy?
35 comments:
A sense of astonishment sweeps over me as I look at the Vitruvian Man. The intention of his demeanor is very clear. He intends to use every cell in his body to create the perfect lines he has developed.
His hips must be spectacles of nature for his legs to abduct as they are. It would feel like a constant battle to stand, requiring undivided focus.
Standing in first position with arms in second does not feel like a constant battle. It does, however, require focus. The feet must be in a specific position, turned out from the hips. The arm joints must cascade from top and back to create the appropriate line. The weight must be spread across the anterior arch and heel of the foot. All of these actions require focus and intent, much like the Vitruvian Man displays.
As for the little guy at the bottom, it probably feels cramped. He is stuck in a sack just big enough for him to curl up in. He has little or no room to move. It must be quite frustrating.
Looking at the Vitruvian Man makes me feel invigorated. I wish I could have exact perfect lines like that. Standing in first position with arms in second might feel the same way to some people, but not to others. Most people have to work on their lines to make them perfect, it's not really a natural thing to do.
I am not sure how it would feel to be a baby. It's weird to think that we were all once that small, but just can't remember how it felt. If I had to think about it though I would say that it feels helpless and cramped.
I bet a developing fetus feels a bit tingly all the time. The same as having your leg wake up after sitting cross legged for too long. Feeling all of the cells expanding and developing...
i dont really feel anything after seeing the vituvian man since i have seen it sooo many times in art class, it is pretty cool however.
Like you said in class, we should be focusing on expanding to the limits that our bodies can stretch to, similar to the position of the Vitruvian man. That is a perfect example of something to keep in mind while dancing and trying to express yourself while maintaining the proper technique, it's quite the balancing act! The baby on the other hand is in the smallest position it can be in, reversing the previous idea.
Looking at the Vitruvian Man makes me wonder exactly what Leonardo Da Vinci was thinking exactly at the point when he was drawing this. The head is in the same place when his feet are in different positions which is quite interesting. I can't really imagine exactly hot it would feel to be the Vitruvian Man but standing in first with arms in second can give us an idea of how it would feel but not exactly because the position is different.
As for the picture of the baby, It would feel very cramped and snuggly compared to the Vitruvian Man who has expanded his body to it's full extent.
Looking at the vitruvian man gives me chills as it creates a whole new lense in which to look at the human body. It is incredibly beautiful to see the body in such a stark position and also being observed in a scientific and mathmatical way. There is something slighly alarming to me about this image because of this mathmatical and scientific approach. It is beautiful and yet seems to document limitations of the human body. Compared to the baby, the vitruvian man seems to have spread to his full physical potential, where the child is curled up, having not yet reach potential of even become aware of its potential or ability to occupy space.
looking at the Vitruvian man really makes me wonder whether there are really people who can do it, like perfect arm and leg and in line and everything. must be really tiring. i couldn't even hold up my hand in second for like a long time, it hurts cause you know, we are not used to it. plus gravity pulling it down.
as for the baby, i bet he just couldn't wait to come out. it sure looks like too small of a place to be in.
The Vitruvian Man is a symbol of striving to reach perfection. Everything about the man is straight, his knees nor his arms are bent. It takes a lot of strength, endurance, and focus to stand like the vitruvian man. Standing in first position doesn't feel like this. But now, after looking at this picture I'm wondering WHY it doesn't take as much to stand in first position with my arms out.
When I look at the Vitruvian man I kind of feel a little intimidated. His standing position looks so strong and powerful that it's almost kinda scary. I think it's interesting that Da Vinci drew the Vitruvian man in a circle and square, because in other dance classes like Modern, you dance in all spaces and angles not just a box and bubble. In Ballet however, I can see it's application.
I think the movement in ballet works in a combination of the square and circle. For example, standing in first, with your arms in second- I would say that your feet would be standing on the square and your arms would be aligned with the circle- rather than how the Vertruvian man is holding his arms in second- I think they are too extended for second position.
If I were the Virtruvian man I would have a feeling of vulnerability, because my body would be super exposed and extended to its limits. On the other hand, as a baby in fetal position I think I would feel extremely comfortable, because I think its naturally a very comfortable position for all humans, since we are born that way.
Remi,
Great response...very thoughtful. Well written s well.
Louis
When I look at the Vitruvian Man, I feel like I'm looking at simple beauty. The picture is not very complex as it is only a man inside a circle and a square... yet it represents the perfect proportions that humans have and it's beautiful in its symmetry (disregarding the difference in foot angles).
However, after viewing the face of this man, I think that it would be awful to be him. He looks like he is stiff solid with no choice but to be still in those two overlapping positions for all to see. He is unwillingly there for public viewing.
Standing in first position with arms in second does not feel this way. I assume most of us are taking this class because we enjoy dancing, not because we are forced to dance. We strive for the perfect posture and angles of the Vitruvian Man, but I would never want to feel forced into a ballet position. Instead, I'd like to work hard and enjoy the near perfection of it for myself rather than for others' viewing.
That Little guy might feel like he is also stuck in a position and wants to free himself of it. However, he looks like he'd be full of energy were he free to move around, whereas the Vitruvian Man looks like he'd just slump over and sit down if he had the choice. Their expressions convey very different feelings: the little guy looks like he is full of life while the Vitruvian Man looks like he has no will to live.
These contrasted pictures of a curled up baby and the Vitruvian Man provoke feelings of uncertainty and resolution. The journey that everyone makes from infancy to adulthood is marked by realizations about yourself, and learning to accept who you are. As we begin life, we are uncertain about ourselves, shown through the baby's almost reclusive stance. However, the Vitruvian Man has become more and more certain of himself and is alright with showing the world what he is made of and what his body is capable of.
This is very similar to ballet. In the beginning, this art form can be intimidating, (and may still be so :) ) and many feel self-conscious about their abilities. But, as time passes and risks are taken, this is when a dancer becomes more mature and open to gaining greater experience and expertise.
The Vitruvian Man is a symbol of physical human perfection. His proportions are seemingly perfect. Ever limb in his body is in top condition. It amazes me that this man was once a small, undeveloped fetus. In ballet, one starts his training with little perception of what may come, however, as time goes on and the training develops, magical events can occur creating an astonishing outcome in return.
Looking at the Vitruvian Man is extremely interesting for me. I personally love art and the way da Vinci depicts man is absolutely incredible. For me, the art reminds me of first position when certain people are dancing, however, I don’t feel I have achieved that level of grace, hopefully I will gain that through practice. Looking at growing babies baffles me. It’s remarkable that every human starts out so innocent and weak. I imagine being that little guy must be pretty nice. I’d hope that he wouldn’t have a care in the world, true bliss.
I do think that standing in first position with arms in second would feel the way the Vitruvian Man is standing. Both positions are not natural and feel awkward at first. I think it would be difficult to be the Vitruvian Man. To reach out like that is uncomfortable after a short amount of time. One has to really concentrate to stand that way.
The baby looks very comfortable. The human body doesn't naturally do what the Vitruvian Man does, but the baby does what is comfortable and natural to him. Most people don't try to stretch out and be uncomfortable, as a lot of people slouch and sit hunched over in a way that resembles the baby. The Vitruvian Man seems to be what dancers should strive for instead of the comfortable positions.
It is a pretty amazing drawing. I have seen it many times befor but never actually looked at it. I think that it would be hard to be the Vitruvian man. He has extremely straight lines and all his muscles look like they are contracted. I think that standing in first position with arms in second is similar to the Vitruvian man. Having to constantly be aware of your body position and having to hold very specific lines I think would feel similar.
I think the entire fetus development process is an absolute miracle. Its hard to beleive we all started out this way. I think it would feel extremely boring and convined!
I feel amazed at the perfection of the Vitruvian man with his ideal proportions. Being the Vitruvian Man would make me feel in control of my body because of his perfect lines and centricity. This feeling of centricity is similar to standing in first position with arms in second because your weight evenly distributed over your feet with your head reaching towards the sky and your arms extending outwards from the center of your body.
I think it would feel very safe to be the little guy. Safe and protected with no worries.
Looking at the vitruvian man makes me feel something strange, because he looks like a marrionet with his certain parts are moving and the others are fixed. This is such a unnatural movement that we can not move like this. If I could demonstrate this movement, I could be a good dancer.
I think the little boy probably feels at home, secured and protected, and he also feels a little excited, waiting for the day he is born and can stretch his limps.
the vitruvian man is in a very unnatural position. I believe that ballet is all about positions that don't feel natural. If it was natural and easy every one would be ballerinas. Being in first position with arms in second is not a position anyone would normally stand in and that is why just like the vitruvian man is admired ballet dancers are as well. The baby too is in a shape that we don't normally go into. A baby is young and has not learned to move and be free yet, just like beginning ballet dancers who have not learned to move as though it requires no effort. Until that point every movement is a challenge.
Looking at the at Vitruvian Man, I see and feel the range of extension in a human body. To be the Vitruvian Man, it seems to require much strength just to maintain this position. Strength in the mind and the constant control of body parts.
Standing in first position with arms in second does require strength and focus. Keeping the arms in second may look fairly simply, but requires focus to not end up with limp arms. Standing in first becomes easier with practice. All in all, with undivided attention and control of body parts, standing in first with arms in second can feel like the Vitruvian Man.
To be this little guy, not able to fully extend my arms and legs, it will definitely feel restrained, limited and annoying!
While looking at the Vitruvian Man, I feel a sense of power. His complete extension and erect posture makes me think of complete control over his body. When I stand in first position with my arms in second, I feel balanced. I use my core to focus and maintain this balance. I also feel the need to work on my turnout.
When I look at the fetus position, I think more of modern dance. His curled posture makes me think of curving moves.
The Vitruvian Man, to me, represents a lot to live up to. Perfection. Our lines and extension in their most ideal state. I find that ballet training, or really the training for anything, does tend to result in a struggle for perfection. I also think that one of the beautiful (or disheartening) things about ballet is that there is no 'perfect.'
The Vitruvian Man was drawn as an embodiment of perfection. I think that to be him would be very empowering. At the same time, to be completely stretched out to your body's fullest extent I think can be a very vulnerable position. Ballet is about using our bodies to their fullest, and emphasizing our lines and extension, which I think can be very empowering when we learn how to do it correctly, but putting ourselves out there like that also provides that bit of vulnerability. Standing in first with arms in second is the same: grounded through the feet, but open through the body. Using our energy to push through the floor and reach through our ams.
I think the juxtaposition of the Vitruvian Man and the baby is really nice. For me, I consider the fetal position a very 'safe' position. The Vitruvian Man is a full-grown, muscular man, but as I was saying earlier I feel that he is put in a position of vulnerability, while a baby (especially this one shown prenatally) is one of the most vulnerable things imaginable, yet is in this position of relaxed security.
I think it's a tough call between the perfection of a newborn baby and the perfection of exact lines.
when i look at the vitruvian man, i sense the different parts of the body and the muscle. When i look at the arms from the vitruvian man, i think about the arms position in ballet. when i look at the legs from the vitruvian man, i sense the muscle of the legs when i dance ballet. I used a lot of legs muscle when i hill up my legs and turn from right side to left side of the bar.
I feel baby is the most wonderful human creation. Once when we are new born baby, our parents gave us a new hope for explorer to this world. New advanture of the new life chapter is waiting for new born baby . I feel a baby is a frash, and innocent human being.Also i feel being a baby is most happiest thing, because baby can feel the love not just by their own parents, is also have the love by all the people around the baby.
Ballet creates a sense of stretching your entire body into the most elongated form possible. Standing in a position similar to the Vitruvian Man stretches the spine more than any other part of the body and it makes you feel instantly taller. The baby at the bottom seems to be folded up into an uncomfortable position. Having to be in that position for such a long period of time would result in a want to stretch out and achieve more spread out positions such as the positions of the Vitruvian Man.
Lisa Meyer
Looking at the Vitruvian Man makes me want to stretch and to reach or work towards physical perfection. He looks confident and focused, and inspires me to focus on all parts of my body as a dancer - to pay attention to each limb, muscle, and line I create while moving or just standing. I do think standing in first position with my arms in second would feel similar to the Vitruvian man (as long as I would eventually be able to move my feet to second position), as both of these situations involve striving towards one's extension.
I think it would feel quiet and comfortable to be the "little guy" in the picture below. It makes me wonder if he knows the potential he will one day have...he is on the opposite end of the spectrum from the Vitruvian Man and I think it's amazing that we're able to come so far physically in our lifetimes. It's invigorating.
The Vitruvian man looks comfortable being naked, if I were the Vitruvian man I would feel uncomfortable to have my body exposed, but he has no intention to cover himself up. I am not confident enough to spread myself out naked like that, it is so unrealistic. Despite the perfect lines and strong body, I would feel quite uncomfortable being the Vitruvian man. He's Nude! I guess this could be partly why I am timid about my second position. Maybe I am shy to be like the Vitruvian man and put myself out there without any doubt.
As a baby he would feel fragile and less confident about sprawling his nude self about a circle. He is forced to be protected by a mother and cannot be out free making lines with his nude body.
I get an impression of strength and precision when looking at the Vitruvian man. He looks balanced and braced. I think that to be the Vitruvian Man would feel very focused.
Standing in first with the arms in second feels similarly in that I feel focused, and since my muscles are engaged, I often feel a sense of strength.
I think that to be the baby would feel somewhat helpless, since it can't move well by itself.
Looking at the Vitruvian Man is mesmerizing. It is intriguing to study the exact proportions in which the same man is inscribed within a circle and the square. It would be exposing to be the Vitruvian man, yet at the same time he has accomplished the ultimate feat of being in flawless symmetry.
Standing in first position doesn't feel exposing. However, it is rewarding when you are in perfect alignment with you body after acquiring the correct technique to perform this position.
His stance is very defined, solid. I aim for the look of my position to be lighter, less intentional. The lines should be there to emphasize the position, but I try to make obviously the edge of those lines. I like smudging them. Legs, shoulders, back, neck; defined straight lines. Fingers, face, forearms; not so much.
ballet helps the body to flower into its most extended expression.
How does it feel to look at the Vitruvian Man? How would it feel to be the Vitruvian Man? Does standing in first position with arms in second feel the same way? If not, why not?
The Vitruvian Man is representative of the boundaries our bodies have an how we must work within them, and how we haven't discovered them as must as be think. Moving our arms around our "bubble" gives us an idea of our full range of motion, but of course we haven't done every move possible. The concept of the painting isn't too hard to get, but just remembering everything is something we must continue to remind ourselves. Standing in first position with arms in second is a way to discover the vitruvian man as our arms are spread out, but not in the same completely horizontal way, the picture doesn't take into account the power of our shoulders, elbows wrists and fingers. However, it is telling us that there is something about this position that is strong and will help us with our movements.
The vitruvian Man makes me wish I too could have these perfect lines. In ballet it is something that you have to work on and perfect. But this man has it naturally. It seems the same in ballet while someone may have a natural nitch in making perfect lines and standing in a perfect first position. While others have to work on to perfect that technique.
As for the baby, it must feel pretty jumbled. With its feet at his head and rolled up tight. It doesn't have the same sensation as the vitruvian man and his straight lines. The baby is all over the place and has no sense of stability.
I am a very visual learner and Da Vinci's Vatruvian Man offers a great image to keep in mind while at the bar and in the center of the floor. I just pop that image in my head, and am immediately reminded to extend to the ends of my toes, to have control over every muscle in my body (during structured ballet), and to be aware of my body angles.
The Vitruvian man - a combination of strength yet exposure (which can be vulnerable), almost juxtaposition in that sense. He is larger than himself, no doubt, by the extent of expanding beyond himself, which is what I try to think about when I am moving my limbs. He is centered, like a tree trunk at the same time -so many things going on at once- just like in ballet!
The baby, once again could be seen in so many ways - as protected and comfortable, natural - or a sense of claustrophobia. For some reason, it reminds me of modern dance more than ballet.
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