Study of an Ignudo

This beautiful pen and ink study depicts a muscular man in a strained position, with the difficulty of depicting the muscular strain paying testament to the artist. The figure’s anatomy is rendered in an incredibly accurate way, with differentiation between taught and relaxed muscles across the torso, legs, and upper body. As well as the focus on anatomy, the fine hatching indicates a keen awareness of light and perspective. These focal points are emblematic of the Renaissance and its intense interest in the ‘ideal’ physical form, inspired by statues of Greco-Roman Antiquity.

The drawing is a study of one of the ignudi of the Sistine Chapel, specifically one from the Seperation of Light from Darkness fresco painted by Michelangelo. The figure’s posture is incredibly similar to that displayed in the study, and the silky drapery that the ignudi holds is alluded to with less detail behind the figure in our work. The intention behind the inclusion of the ignudi as part of the Sistine Ceiling is unknown, although it has been suggested that they were a way for Michelangelo to demonstrate his skill in depicting fabric and complex, posed anatomy. As a result, the ignudi were copied by many other Renaissance artists wishing to study not only anatomy, but the work of the great master Michelangelo.