Study of a Torso

Unknown artist

Perino del Vaga drew this study in preparation for his portrayal of St Sebastian in an altarpiece. The upper body is turned slightly in relation to the abdomen. The artist also experimented with the position of the arms and hands. Although Perino was drawing from a live model, he may have been influenced by works by other artists. For example, the figure’s right hand on the thigh recalls the pose of Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of David.