contrapposto
/ˌkɒn.trəˈpɒs.təʊ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A pose in art where the body rests on one leg, with the hips and shoulders turned in different directions. It makes the figure look relaxed and natural.
- The statue stands in contrapposto.
- She studied contrapposto in Renaissance art.
- The figure leans with one hip raised.
Adinary Nuance
Contrapposto is more specific than a general pose or stance. Use it when the body’s weight shifts onto one leg and the upper and lower body turn slightly in opposite directions. A writer would choose it for art, sculpture, or figure drawing, not for ordinary standing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tư thế phản đối xứng
- Spanish
- contrapposto
- Chinese
- 对立式站姿
- Japanese
- コントラッポスト
- Korean
- 콘트라포스토
Etymology
From Italian contrapposto, meaning 'placed opposite'. It entered English through art history writing, especially in discussions of Greek and Renaissance sculpture.
Common phrases
in contrappostothe contrapposto poseclassical contrapposto
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is contrapposto a common English word?
- No, it is mainly used in art history, sculpture, and drawing.
- What is the difference between contrapposto and pose?
- A pose is any body position. Contrapposto is a specific, relaxed artistic pose.
- Can I use contrapposto in everyday speech?
- Usually no. It sounds technical and artistic.