[Audio Guide]
This work shows the rear torso of a slightly emaciated man. His spine and the flesh on either side are very clearly articulated. This posture— with the right shoulder lowered, the trunk of the body curved into an ‘S’ shape and the bodyweight transferred onto one foot—follows the precedent for ideal pose of the human figure adopted since ancient times. Further, the torso format originates in the Renaissance period, when many ancient sculptures were recovered that were missing their protruding parts such as limbs and heads. However, this is not a case of Martini simply following tradition. His manner of expression is very unique—pressing the clay onto the back vividly conveys the touch of the artist’s fingers. The artist has focused his attention on the thin skin covering the bones of the back, so that the skin comes to symbolize young man as a whole. The artist’s modern sensibility is revealed as he senses the man’s heartbeat and responds to his youthful breaths.
