Fashion Design Drawing

Proportions of
The Human Figure

Fashion Design Drawing - Proportions Of The Human Figure 1.jpg

All measurements of the human figure are divisions of the body into
parts of given measurements. There are many conceptions of measuring,
scientific and ideal, and they all differ.

If given proportions were used, even though these proportions were the
ideal average, they would result in a drawing without character. Again, to
apply these so-called canons of art, the figure must be on the eye-level,
upright and rigid. The least bending of the head or body would change the
given proportions visually, though not actually.

Fashion Design Drawing - Proportions Of The Human Figure 2.jpg

From an anatomical point of view, taking the
skull as a unit, horizontally, the bone of the
upper arm, the humerus, is about one and one-
half heads in length. The bone on the thumb
side of the forearm, the radius, is about one
head in length. The forearm bone, the ulna, or
the little finger side, measures about one foot
from elbow to wrist. The thigh bone, or femur,
measures about two heads, and the leg bone, or
tibia, nearly one and one-half heads.

The illustrations show three different methods
of measurement; one by Dr. Paul Richer, one by
Dr. William Rimmer and one by Michelangelo.

Fashion Design Drawing - Proportions Of The Human Figure 4.jpg