1. Plural of contrapposto; a technique in art in which a figure is depicted with weight shifted to one leg, creating a natural, balanced pose with asymmetrical body alignment.
Usage: art and sculpture term; Italian origin; commonly used in Renaissance and classical art discussion

Examples

• The sculptor studied the contrappostos of classical Greek statues to master the technique.
• Michelangelo's figures display elegant contrappostos that give them a sense of movement and life.
• Renaissance artists used contrappostos to make their paintings appear more naturalistic and dynamic.
• The museum exhibition highlighted how different artists interpreted contrappostos across centuries.
• By shifting weight between the legs, the artist created multiple contrappostos in the composition.