Artwork Page for Pyramid of Five Men

Details / Information for Pyramid of Five Men

Pyramid of Five Men

about 1450s-60s

Juste de Juste

(French, 1505–1559)
Culture
France, 16th century
Medium
etching
Support
Antique laid paper
Measurements
Sheet: 29 x 21.7 cm (11 7/16 x 8 9/16 in.); Platemark: 27.8 x 20.7 cm (10 15/16 x 8 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Alma Kroeger Fund 2007.167
Catalogue raisonné
Zerner J.5
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Although almost nothing is known about Juste de Juste, he was probably among a circle of artists working at Fontainebleau in France in the 1540s. This eccentric composition seems to reference the twisting, turning, and balancing bodies found on the Sistine Chapel ceiling as well as the muscular nude body types associated with Michelangelo. However, the composition itself is a unique invention not derived from any specific part of the ceiling or indeed from life studies.
A vertically oriented black ink etching depicts five nude, muscular men in an interconnected, tiered formation. At the bottom, a reclining man supports a central figure standing on his knee, who lifts another man high. To the right, a standing man seen from behind hoists a fifth figure aloft. Dense, rhythmic cross-hatching defines their exaggerated musculature against a light background. A small monogram appears in the bottom right corner.

Pyramid of Five Men

about 1450s-60s

Juste de Juste

(French, 1505–1559)
France, 16th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork