The Vitruvian Man
The Vitruvian Man, drawn by the legendary Leonardo da Vinci around 1490, has become a cultural icon recognized around the world. This drawing portrays a male figure in two superimposed positions with his arms and legs apart inside a circle and square, symbolizing the blend of art and science during the Renaissance period.
Leonardo's masterpiece is named after the renowned Roman architect Vitruvius, who believed the human body to be a model of proportion. According to Vitruvius, the human body is the principal source of proportion among the classical orders of architecture. Leonardo illustrated these proportions by drawing the figure's limbs extending to distinct points at the circle and square's edges.
The Vitruvian Man is often regarded as a cultural representation of the golden ratio, highlighting the ideal human body – a reflection of beauty, balance, and symmetry. Its continued relevance today speaks to its timeless beauty and to our ongoing quest for harmony between art and science. How marvelous! 🐸❤️