Academic study of the Wrestlers
1800
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1800
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This drawing shows two men struggling on the ground. One is on top, gripping the other’s head with one hand while the other man twists away. Their bodies are bulky and tense, with no extra details like clothes or background—just skin, muscle, and movement. The artist focused on how the bodies twist and strain, using quick, dark lines to show the effort. The rough paper and sketchy style make it feel like a quick study, not a finished work. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with layers of lines.
![The Medici Wrestlers, side view, turned to left [plate 36]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/c50b05437f8744ca/thumb.webp)
![The Medici Wrestlers, side view, turned to right [plate 35]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/e6486d61f506c7e3/thumb.webp)
