CONTRAPPOSTO

Contrapposto: translation

Italian term for a technique developed by ancient Greek sculptors to represent the human figure standing at ease in a relaxed and natural stance. It was based on an intentional assymetry of stance, with one leg carrying most of the body's weight and the other leg free. Although based on depiction of the body at rest, the technique was also fundamental to realistic representation of the body in motion. This technique first appeared in early Greekclassicalsculpture (early fifth century B.C.) and was widely used throughout the classical period but fell out of use in medieval sculpture. Its rediscovery in the early 15th century is attributed to theFlorentinesculptorDonatello. At least, it first appears in his work, notably his bronzeDavid, executed about 1425, which is reminiscent of classical statuary in itscontrappostostance. In painting, the use ofcontrappostofirst appears in the work ofMasaccio, most strikingly inThe Tribute Money(ca. 1427) but also in the nude figures of Adam and Eve in hisExpulsion from Paradise.