Souvenir Medal Monnaie de Paris 2005 - Homme Vitruvien (37)

The Vitruvian Man is a famous illustration created by Leonardo da Vinci around 1490, based on the writings of the Roman architect Vitruvius. The image depicts a naked man with arms and legs outstretched in a way that they touch both a circle and a square, illustrating ideals of proportion and symmetry. This illustration is emblematic of the Renaissance, symbolizing the intersection of art, science, and philosophy. It expresses the idea that the human body can be inscribed within ideal geometric forms, demonstrating the perfection of human creation and its connection to the universe, and remains a significant symbol of the exploration of proportions and beauty in art and science.