Contrapposto is an asymmetrical arrangement of the human figure in which the line of the arms and shoulders contrasts with while balancing those of the hips and legs.

Multiple artists reintroduced the principle of contrapposto between the medieval and rennaissance period. One very striking example is Donatello's David, a sculpture commissioned by the Medici family. It is the first free standing nude of the renaissance and uses contrapposto.

Donatello

Contrapposto

Contrapposto is significant because it shows an interest in the natural world and the human form. This interest is called humanism. It is one major feature distinguishing the gothic period from the renaissance.