Drawing the Human Figure chapter 12
In this copy after Zuccaro (see also on page 231), observe carefully the alignment of the limbs of the figure. In order to align
the top of the body with the legs, Zuccaro may have imagined a vertical line from the inside of the right wrist. The inner left
and right legs lie on this line. This could have given Zuccaro a coordinate with which to position the legs in relation to the
right arm. He may have used the thumb on the extended left arm to align the foot of the right leg. Lining up these two limbs
ensured that Zuccaro was able to draw the foreshortening (see next page) of the left arm convincingly, as he saw that he only
had a small space in which to draw the forearm and hand. The back of that right arm may have served him as a coordinate,
to show the angle of the extension of the spine before it curves out further into the buttocks.
At this stage in his career, Zuccaro imagined these lines to help him plot his measurements correctly. The ability to do this
comes with time and practice. Be aware of this when you draw. Always make comparisons using your own eye or with the
aid of an instrument or tool, not only when you draw the human figure but with any subject matter you encounter. Making
these comparisons when drawing the human figure will enable you to draw the body correctly and with the model’s own
proportions.