In sculpture, any stance in which a human figure is counterpoised. Examples are a seated figure with legs twisted in one direction and the upper torso twisted in another, or a standing figure which exhibits an S-curve (weight shift) caused by the figure balancing all its weight upon one leg while relaxing the other. Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel frescoes are known for their contrapposto figures, which suggest a feeling of great power being held in check.
Literally means "set against" in Italian. Method developed by the ancient Greeks in sculpture to create balance, harmony and the illusion of movement in the figure. One part of the body is turned in opposition to another. For example, if the hips and legs are shifted in one direction, the shoulders and chest are in another. Distribution of weight is emphasized as the body is counter-positioned around a central axis. The term can also apply more generally to works of art with compositions based on opposition and antithesis.
An Italian term describing the graceful posture of a figure with all the weight balanced on one leg. In an exaggerated form it is particularly associated with Mannerism (q.v.).
a pose in which a body is exhibited in a twisted poses, transferring weight from one foot to another
Italian for "counterpoise", the counter-positioning of parts of the human figure about a central vertical axis.
n. Italian art term for a specific pose of the human form, the literal translation is "to the opposite". The weight is put on one leg with the knee locked and hip thrust out slightly. The opposite leg is bent slightly at the knee while the shoulders and head are slanted down to the opposite side to the weight bearing leg. This will also naturally twist the torso slightly. There's no specific placing of the arms but the pose is intended to be dramatic and show off the form. _______________________________________________________
The counter positioning of parts of the human figure about a central vertical axis, as when the weight is placed naturally on one foot causing the hip and shoulder lines to counterbalance each other in opposite directions.
Italian word for "set against." Method developed by the Greeks to represent freedom of movement in a figure. Parts of the body are placed asymmetrically in opposition to each other around a central axis
Italian word for ponderation or counterpoise; refers to the depiction of the human figure as a series of interdependent yet oppositional weights and balances around a central axis [image
In figural sculpture, a balanced but asymmetrical attitude in which a figure stands posed with most of its weight on one leg and with the vertical axis of the body in a slight "s" curve.
Literally, “counterpoise.” A method of portraying the human figure, especially in sculpture, often achieved by placing the weight on one foot and turning the shoulder so the figure appears relaxed and mobile. The result is often a graceful S-curve.
The graceful positioning of the artists' model exemplifying aesthetics through contour and gesture...
The disposition of the human figure in which one part is turned in opposition to another part. Weight of the body tends to be thrown to one foot, creating tension on one side and relaxation on the other.
Literally, “counterpoise.” A method of portraying the human figure, especially in sculpture, so that it is apparently relaxed and mobile. The result is often a graceful S-curve.
The position of a figure in painting or sculpture in which the hips and legs are turned in a different direction from that of the shoulders and head; the twisting of a figure on its own vertical axis.
a balanced but asymmetrical stance in which the figure is positioned with most of its weight on one leg.
The pose of the human form in which the head and shoulders face in a different direction from the hips and legs; a spiral twist.
A twist or "S" curve of the human figure caused by placing the weight on one foot and turning the shoulder.
(It., "opposing, conflicting"): pose in which one side of the body twists in relation to another part.
Classical Contrapost (or Italian Classical Contrapposto) is a term most commonly used in the visual arts to describe a human figure standing so that its shoulders and arms twist off-axis from the hips and legs. This gives the figure a more relaxed and less stiff appearance. It can also encompass the tension as a figure changes from resting on a given leg to walking or running upon it (so-called ponderation).
