Artwork

A Striding Youth with His Arms Raised, Seen from Behind

A Striding Youth with His Arms Raised, Seen from Behind, by Jacopo Tintoretto, charcoal, 1579
A Striding Youth with His Arms Raised, Seen from Behind, by Jacopo Tintoretto, charcoal, 1579

A Striding Youth with His Arms Raised, Seen from Behind is a charcoal drawing by the Renaissance artist Jacopo Tintoretto. It dates from 1579 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Striding Youth with His Arms Raised, Seen from Behind is a charcoal drawing on oatmeal paper, created circa 1579 by Jacopo Tintoretto, a prominent Venetian painter of the Italian Renaissance.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a youthful male figure in mid-stride, viewed from behind, with arms raised in a dynamic gesture. This pose captures a moment of energetic movement, characteristic of Tintoretto's style.

Technique & Style

Executed in loose, quick charcoal lines with noticeable smudges, the drawing exemplifies Tintoretto's rapid and expressive technique. The emphasis on the figure's twist and weight distribution reflects his Mannerist approach, focusing on muscularity and dynamic movement.

History & Provenance

Likely a preparatory study rather than a finished work, the drawing's provenance and exhibition history are not detailed here, though its creation date aligns with Tintoretto's active period as a leading Venetian artist.

Context

Created during the Italian Renaissance, this work aligns with the Mannerist style's emphasis on dramatic gestures and dynamic perspectives. Tintoretto's 'il Furioso' nickname underscores his reputation for bold, rapidly executed compositions.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this drawing are not provided, it contributes to the broader understanding of Tintoretto's artistic process and his influence on the development of Mannerist and subsequent artistic movements.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacopo Tintoretto

Artist

Jacopo Tintoretto

Jacopo Robusti (late September or early October 1518 – 31 May 1594), best known as Tintoretto ( TIN-tə-RET-oh; Italian: ; Venetian: ), was an Italian Renaissance painter of the Venetian school.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.