S-curve (art)

In the visual arts, an S-curve is an S-shaped curve that serves a wide variety of compositional purposes.

In Ancient Greek and Roman sculpture, the S-curve is a traditional art concept where the figure's body and posture is depicted like a sinuous or serpentine manner.

It is related to and is an extension of the art term of contrapposto which is when a figure is depicted slouching or placing one's weight and thus center of gravity to one side.

The "S Curve" concept was probably invented by the famous Greek sculptor Praxiteles, son of Kifissodotos, who lived in the 4th century BC.

[1] The Indian tribhanga ("three bend") pose is similar, but generally more pronounced, often with the neck also curved to one side.