The Human Figure (Dover Anatomy for Artists) [Paperback]

John H. Vanderpoel (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Anatomy for Artists | Publication Date: June 1, 1958

This classic treatment by a master teacher offers clear, detailed instruction on drawing the human figure. More than 430 pencil and charcoal illustrations depict eyes, arms, feet, and other fundamental features. Topics include shading, curvature, proportion, foreshortening, muscular tension, and major and minor differences in the structure and representation of male and female anatomy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 143 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; 2nd edition (June 1, 1958)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486204324
• ISBN-13: 978-0486204321
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Art > Instruction & Reference > Figure Drawing
  • #9 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Art > Instruction & Reference > General
  • #10 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Art > Art History > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not for everyone, July 9, 2002

By 

"artshogun" (Rochester, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Human Figure (Dover Anatomy for Artists) (Paperback)

Nelson Shanks refers to the illustrations of this book as examples of simplifying the human form into patterns of light and dark. While the illustrations do accomplish this, the book is by no means a reference manual for rendering the human body. Also, most of the illustrations appear washed out in my copy of this book. If you are interested in beautiful examples of sensitive charcole renderings of the human figure, this book is outstanding. If you want a visual reference work on the under-structures of the human form, you can find better books than this one.

For anatomical reference, I highly recommend: "Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing From Life" by George B. Bridgman, and "The Human Figure: An Anatomy for Artists" by David K. Rubins.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Illustrations, April 26, 2002

By 

Aaron F (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Human Figure (Dover Anatomy for Artists) (Paperback)

I consider myself to be a pretty intelligent and patient reader and even I have to admit that the text is really difficult to read. The plates (illustrations), however, are outstanding. If you're advanced enough to be able to study and learn directly from drawings without the aid of much text then you should definitely pick up a copy of this book. I can't think of any other drawing books where you can learn as much for... $ The illustrations in the new Dover reprint actually lose a lot of quality compared to the orginal printing, so if possible try and find an older copy.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Small but eloquent..., December 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Human Figure (Dover Anatomy for Artists) (Paperback)

This is an elegant, eloquent little book. I'm a professional illustrator and sculptor, from a family of artists, and I find this small book stands out among the many references available.
It has a graciousness about it, not merely addressing anatomy, but giving a graceful translation of form.
I think it's good to have a number of references, and this is one I wouldn't do without!