Photo and Commentary ©2025 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Perhaps you remember seeing a picture of the drawing by Leonardo da Vinci of the perfect man. Created about two years before Columbus sailed for America, da Vinci’s work is sometimes referred to as Vitruvian Man since his idea was based upon the mathematical calculations of Vitruvius who envisioned a direct correlation between the proportions of man and the ideal proportions to be found in architecture, and by extension, the universe at large. Drawn with pen and ink on paper, da Vinci superimposed the figure of a man within a circle and a square thus illustrating the ideal proportions for man. It is sometimes referred to as The Canon of Proportions as well as Proportions of Man.
But beauty and perfection apparently do not always follow the ratios established by man. In Vitruvius’ model, the ideal body would be eight head lengths high. Yet no one would question the beauty of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher whose tail feathers may be nine inches long, making up two thirds of the bird’s total length.
It’s equally apparent that God does not follow the same criterion for perfection as man. He described Job as “a perfect and upright man”. (Job 2:3 ASV) Paul makes it clear how that ideal may be met in Colossians 1:28: “… admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ.” (ASV) No matter if my proportions don’t fit da Vinci’s perfect circle and square; if I’m in Christ, then I am perfect.