Artwork
Studies of a Sculpture of a Male Nude, Vertebrae, and Gesturing Figures
Studies of a Sculpture of a Male Nude, Vertebrae, and Gesturing Figures is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Bartolomeo Passarotti. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1560, this drawing by Bartolomeo Passarotti records a study of a male nude sculpture, accompanied by anatomical sketches of vertebrae and several gesturing figures. Executed with pen and iron‑gall ink on laid paper, the work exemplifies the artist’s investigative approach to the human form during the late‑Mannerist period in Bologna.
Subject & Meaning
The central element is a twisted male torso rendered as a sculptural study, surrounded by smaller figures that illustrate various poses. Adjacent anatomical fragments focus on the spinal column, highlighting Passarotti’s interest in the underlying structure that supports movement and posture.
Technique & Style
Passarotti employed rapid, wavering strokes to capture the dynamism of the twisted body, while denser cross‑hatching builds volume and shadow across muscles. The ink appears uneven, suggesting a swift hand and a priority on recording observation over polished finish, a characteristic of Mannerist sketching practices.
History & Provenance
The drawing originates from Passarotti’s workshop in Bologna, a city where he was active as a painter and draftsman. It has remained in private collections before entering a museum holding of Italian drawings, where it is catalogued as a preparatory study rather than a finished composition.
Context
During the mid‑16th century, Bolognese artists increasingly engaged with anatomical study to enhance the expressive potential of the human figure. Passarotti’s sketch reflects this trend, integrating both sculptural observation and medical illustration within a single sheet.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bartolomeo Passarotti or Passerotti (1529–1592) was an Italian painter of the mannerist period, who worked mainly in his native Bologna. His family name is also spelled Passerotti or Passarotto.
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