S Curve (art)

The S Curve is a traditional art concept in Ancient Greek sculpture and Roman sculpture where the figure's body and posture is depicted like a sinuous or serpentine "S". It is related to and is an extension of the art term of contrapposto which is when a figure is depicted slouching or placing one's weight and thus center of gravity to one side. However, the S Curve involves more of the body than the contrapposto, and is therefore considered to be a more advanced technical development. The "S Curve" concept was initiated by famous Greek sculptor Praxiteles, son of Kifissodotos.

• Examples of S Curve and Contrapposto
• Wenuszmf.jpg

  The Venus de Milo depicts a S Curve body shape

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  Note that there is only a slight weight shift in the Kritios Boy; thus, it is a contrapposto.

See also

• Contrapposto
• Art in ancient Greece
• Classical sculpture
• Tribhanga