PART IV
DÜRER'S IDEAS
[Illustration]
CHAPTER I
THE IDEA OF A CANON OF PROPORTION FOR THE HUMAN FIGURE
Dürer often painted the Virgin's head as a mere exercise or example in those proportion studies with which we must presently deal.
Sir W. M. CONWAY, in "Dürer's Literary Remains," p. 151.
As soon as he comes to speak of the very essence of artistic work, he forgets theories and imitations of the antique; he knows nothing of composition from fragments of Nature, of measurements and speculations. No longer trusting to such aids as these, but launching himself boldly on the broad stream of Nature, he believes that he shall attain to a higher harmony in his work.