Contrapposto

   The posing of figures in sculpture and painting that imitates the natural human stance. When the human body stands in a relaxed pose, one leg bears its weight (the engaged leg) while the other remains free. In this position, the hips and shoulders form opposing diagonals. Contrapposto was developed by Greek sculptors and painters of the classical era and constituted a major breakthrough as it allowed for the naturalistic rendering of the human form. It also allowed for the representation of the body in motion. In the 15th century, contrapposto was reintroduced into art to recreate the freedom of movement found in Greco-Roman examples. Donatello used it first in his St. Mark at Orsanmichele, Florence (1411-1413), and Masaccio in his Tribute Money in the Brancacci Chapel at Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence (c. 1425). The contrapposto technique was pushed to its limits in the 16th and 17th centuries when artists, eager to show off their artistic skill, used it to convey human experience and emotions.