‖ contrapposto
(kontrapˈposto)
[It., pa. pple. of contrapporre, f. L. contrāpōnĕre contrapose v.]
In the visual arts, the arrangement of a figure so that the action of arms and shoulders contrasts as strongly as possible with that of hips and legs; a twisting of the figure on its own axis. Also fig.
| 1903 B. Berenson in Burlington Mag. III. 20/2 In the figure of the soldan he gives a superb instance of almost Michel-angelesque contrapposto. 1935 Times Lit. Suppl. 11 July 437/4 His [sc. Leonardo's] contrapposto is the work of an ardent anatomist. 1944 Auden Sea & Mirror (1945) iii. 36 A sudden eruption of musical and metaphorical power is instantly recognized as standing for grief and disgust, an elegant contrapposto for violent death. 1954 M. Rickert Painting in Brit. viii. 203 The Apostle Philip on the left stands easily in contrapposto. |