Design: Proportions of the Gladiator, from Encyclopédie 1762 - 1777

This 18th-century engraving, “Design: Proportions of the Gladiator,” by Benoit Louis Prévost, is an educational illustration from the Encyclopédie, a massive collection of knowledge published in France from 1762 to 1777. The plate depicts a nude male figure, showcasing different poses and angles, with intricate measurements and markings to demonstrate the ideal proportions of the human body, specifically that of a gladiator. This anatomical study reflects the Enlightenment era’s fascination with scientific exploration and the pursuit of knowledge, making it a valuable example of artistic and anatomical representation.