Studies of a Youth Pulling Ropes (recto); Faint Study of a Youth Pulling a Rope (verso)

Aurelio Lomi

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of several figures in dynamic motion. The drawing, done on a bluish-grey paper, depicts sketchy and loosely rendered figures with limbs and torsos in different positions. The central figure is more detailed, with bent knees and arms that suggest movement. Light, shadow, and line contours accentuate muscular forms and postures. Other figures are drawn with lighter strokes. The composition conveys a study of human anatomy and movement.