Expert: Jeni Andrews-Fraser - 2/14/2008

Question
Trying to do a paper. Need to know term for a human statue when the arm is
away from the body(the space) as opposed to  attached solidly. Thanks

Answer
Hello Lauren - and thanks for your question.  I think what you are grasping for is the term 'contrapposto'.  Originally a pose devised by the Greek, Polykleitos (see Doryphorus' figure, contrapposto is an Italian term meaning "counterpoise" used in the visual arts to describe a human figure standing with most of its weight on one foot so that its shoulders and arms twist off-axis from the hips and legs. This gives the figure a more dynamic, or alternatively relaxed appearance. It can also encompass the tension as a figure changes from resting on a given leg to walking or running upon it (so-called ponderation). The space between one arm is 'counter-poised' with an arm in tension, close to the body.
Hope this is what you were looking for.
Cheers
Jeni