03-01-2026, 08:08 AM
(This post was last modified: 03-01-2026, 08:08 AM by stopsquark.)
In the spirit of Diogenes, I propose a "featherless biped with broad flat nails" characterization of a VMS figure:
There are other traits that are common but not universal (nude- some zodiac nymphs are clothed, while some, as on the first April page, are somehow simultaneously nude and clothed).
Does this seem like a good description of what we're looking for, or are there other characteristically Votnichy traits that I'm missing?
- The head is always drawn at an angle somewhere between profile and facing the viewer- never in profile, and never straight on (unless we're talking about astronomical faces). Both eyes are always visible.
- The body is also drawn at an angle between profile and facing the viewer- figures are always going "left" or "right". The head is angled toward the viewer slightly more than the body is.
- Head is often too large or too small for the body. Proportions are generally uncanny.
- Face is taller than it is wide
- Face has a distinct chin
- The nose and the eyebrow in the "forward" direction are drawn with a single shared line-stroke. This often connects to the forehead curve, but does not always.
- Small mouth, small simple eyes (dots, 'c's, or circles)
- Red cheeks, red lips
- Thin linework
There are other traits that are common but not universal (nude- some zodiac nymphs are clothed, while some, as on the first April page, are somehow simultaneously nude and clothed).
Does this seem like a good description of what we're looking for, or are there other characteristically Votnichy traits that I'm missing?