It may be added that even when only one eye is drawn, a reminiscence of
the anterior view is seen in its form. It is the round or spindle-shaped
contour of the eye as seen in front. That is to say the eye of the
profile like that of the full face looks directly at the spectator, so
that in a manner the one-eyed profile is a front view (see for an
example, Fig. 5 (_a_), p. 339). The designs of savages, and the archaic
art of civilised races, including a people so high up as the Egyptians,
share this tendency of children’s drawings of the profile, though we
find scarcely a trace of the tendency to insert both eyes.
A like confusion or want of differentiation shows itself in the
management of other features in the profile view. As observed, a good
large ear at the back sometimes helps to indicate the side view (see
above, p. 341, Fig. 6 (_a_)). But the wish to bring in all the features,
seen in the obstinate retention of the two eyes, shows itself also in
respect of the ears. Thus one occasionally finds the two ears as in the
front view (see above, p. 346, Fig. 14 (_a_), where the aspect is
clearly more front view than profile), and sometimes, according to M.
Passy—as if the profile nose interfered with this arrangement—both
placed together on one side. The treatment of the moustache when this is
introduced follows that of the mouth. So imposing a feature must be
given in all the glory of the front view (see above, p. 350, Fig. 20
(_b_)).
[Illustration: Fig. 32.]
Other curious features of this early crude attempt to deal with the
profile show themselves in the handling of the trunk and the limbs. I
have met with only one or two instances of a profile head appearing
before the addition of the trunk as in Fig. 28 (_a_) (p. 358). In the
large majority of cases the trunk appears and retains the circular or
oval form of the primitive front view. When, as very frequently happens,
the interesting vertical row of buttons is added it is apt to be
inserted in the middle, giving a still more definitely frontal aspect.
The juxtaposition of this with the head turned to the left need cause no
difficulty to the little draughtsman, after what he has comfortably
swallowed in the shape of incompatibilities in the face itself (see
above, p. 347, Fig. 15 (_b_)). In rare cases, however, one may light on
a distinctly lateral treatment of the buttons. In one instance I have
found it in a drawing which would be a consistent profile but for the
insertion of the second eye, and the frontal treatment of the legs and
feet (Fig. 32).
[Illustration: Fig. 33.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account