The Vitruvian Man is a drawing by the Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci created around 1490. It is housed in the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice, Italy, and is often referred to as "L'Uomo Vitruviano" in Italian. This work represents Leonardo's study of the proportions of the human body, inspired by the works of the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius, particularly his treatise "De Architectura."
Leonardo drew the Vitruvian Man to illustrate Vitruvius's concept of the ideal human body proportions, where the length of the outstretched arms is equal to the height of the body. The drawing combines both art and science, showcasing Leonardo's belief in the harmony between the human form and the universe. The name "Vitruvian" comes from Vitruvius, whose architectural principles included the idea that the human body should be the chief source of proportion among the classical orders of architecture.
The Vitruvian Man encapsulates Renaissance humanism, where the human form was seen as a microcosm of the universe. It symbolizes the blend of art, science, and philosophy during the Renaissance period, emphasizing the belief that man is the measure of all things. Leonardo's drawing also demonstrates his fascination with human anatomy, which he studied extensively, and his interest in the proportions and symmetry found in nature.
The Vitruvian Man is rarely exhibited due to its delicate state. It was displayed for the first time in 1995 at the Louvre Museum in Paris and has since been shown occasionally, but only for short periods to prevent damage from light exposure. The drawing's conservation requires specific conditions to preserve the ink and the paper, which has deteriorated over time.