In this video, we explore contrapposto, a technique used by artists to show how all the parts of the human body are interconnected. Figures presented in contrapposto appear to shift their weight and display the effects of gravity on human anatomy. We look to Italian artist Andrea Verrocchio’s fifteenth-century bronze sculpture of David as an example of contrapposto in action. Contrapposto helps bring his expressive figure to life.

Speaker: Dr. Heather Graham

CHAPTERS

0:00 Stiff-legged stances are uncomfortable and unnatural

0:25 Verrocchio's bronze David stands in contrapposto

0:38 What is contrapposto?

1:10 Early examples in Ancient Greece

1:38 Contrapposto allows greater anatomical realism

2:02 Verrocchio’s bronze David stands triumphant

Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history