Contrapposto is an artistic technique used in sculpture and painting to create a sense of movement and dynamism in the human figure. It involves positioning the body so that weight is shifted onto one leg, causing the hips and shoulders to tilt in opposite directions. This asymmetrical stance gives the figure a more relaxed and natural appearance, as opposed to a rigid, frontal pose. This technique was notably used during the Renaissance and is often associated with works by artists like Michelangelo and Donatello. By employing contrapposto, these artists were able to convey a sense of life and realism in their representations of the human form.