Contrapposto: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Contrapposto noun. A standing pose with the weight on one leg, so the hips and shoulders tilt opposite ways.
How to say it
kon-truh-POSS-toh/ˌkɒntrəˈpɒstəʊ/
4 syllables, stressed on the third (POSS).
Contrapposto in a sentence
Michelangelo's David stands in relaxed contrapposto, as if waiting for a bus.
The photographer asked the model for a little more contrapposto and a lot less smile.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- weight shift
- counterpose
Where contrapposto comes from
Italian for set against, from contrapporre, to oppose.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The photographer asked the model for a little more _____ and a lot less smile.
- verisimilitude
- contrapposto
- timbre
Show the answer
contrapposto: The photographer asked the model for a little more contrapposto and a lot less smile.