contrapposto
- adjective
- /ˌkɒntrəˈpɒstoʊ/
- Specialized
- The model stood in a contrapposto position, shifting her weight onto one leg for the sketch.
Examples
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Artists often use a contrapposto pose to make their figures appear more lifelike.
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The statue was sculpted in a contrapposto pose.
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The statue's contrapposto stance gives it a sense of movement and naturalism.
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Look at that contrapposto!
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The statue's contrapposto stance gives it a sense of movement and naturalism.
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Artists often use a contrapposto pose to make their figures appear more lifelike.
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The model stood in a contrapposto position, shifting her weight onto one leg for the sketch.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Contrapposto comes from the Italian parts contra- ('against') and posto ('placed'), meaning 'placed against'. Like the word contrast, the idea is that the hips and shoulders are set opposite each other, so a contrapposto pose has weight on one leg and looks relaxed and natural.