Crouching Bather

Antonio Susini after a model by Giovanni Bologna

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a nude figure in a dynamic, twisting pose. The figure has one knee bent as it crouches on a base. The right arm is raised and bent behind the head, while the left arm grasps a piece of draped fabric across the chest. The sculpture is rendered in a rich, brown material, likely a polished bronze. The figure’s head is turned slightly to the side, showing the facial features and hair, which is styled close to the scalp. The sense of movement is emphasized by the positioning of the limbs and the tension in the muscles. The sculpture stands on a round platform that appears to be part of the same material.