What is contrapposto, and why is it important to the art / architecture we've studied so far this semester? Contrapposto, or counterpose, is the asymmetrical stance of a kouros figure, with one leg stepping forward. This stance was borrowed from ancient Egyptian sculpture. Contrapposto means "weight shift," and is a natural stance with most of the weight on one leg. Once the Greeks figured out contrapposto then they could convincingly depict the human figure in action Contrapposto is the name for the "busy" designs that are typical of Geometric pottery. We can see contrapposto on both the geometric krater and geometric amphora. Contrapposto is a handsome finish for a bronze sculpture. This finish is often