Vitruvian Man facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vitruvian Man |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Artist | Leonardo da Vinci |
| Year | c. 1490 |
| Type | Pen and ink with wash over metalpoint on paper |
| Dimensions | 34.4 cm × 25.5 cm (13.5 in × 10.0 in) |
The Vitruvian Man is a very famous drawing made by the brilliant Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci. He created it around the year 1490. This artwork shows a man in two different positions, drawn on top of each other, inside a circle and a square.
It's not just a drawing; it's also a study of how human bodies relate to geometry and perfect proportions. Leonardo based his work on the ideas of an ancient Roman architect named Vitruvius, which is why the drawing is called 'Vitruvian Man'.
Contents
What is the Vitruvian Man?
The Vitruvian Man is a detailed drawing made with pen and ink on paper. It shows a male figure standing in two different ways. These two poses are drawn on top of each other, which is called superimposed. The man's arms and legs are in two different positions, but the rest of his body stays in one place.
Why is the Man in a Circle and Square?
One of the most interesting parts of the drawing is that the man is perfectly placed inside both a circle and a square. This shows how Leonardo da Vinci explored the idea that the human body could fit into these perfect geometric shapes. It was a way to connect art, science, and mathematics.
The Meaning Behind the Drawing
This drawing and the notes around it are sometimes called the Canon of Proportions or Proportions of Man. It explores the idea of ideal human proportions and how they connect to geometry.
Who Was Vitruvius?
Leonardo da Vinci's drawing was inspired by the writings of an ancient Roman architect named Vitruvius. He lived a long time ago, even before Leonardo. Vitruvius wrote a book called De architectura, which means "On Architecture." In this book, he talked about how the human body's measurements were the perfect source for understanding proportions in buildings.
Vitruvius believed that an ideal human body should be eight heads tall. Leonardo's drawing is a visual way to show these ideas. The drawing is named in honor of Vitruvius, the architect who inspired it.
Where is the Vitruvian Man Today?
Today, the original Vitruvian Man drawing is kept safe in the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice, Italy. It is a very old and delicate piece of art, so it is not always on display. It is only shown to the public sometimes to protect it from light and damage.
See also
- In Spanish: Hombre de Vitruvio para niños
