Strike a Pose: Adlocutio

Each installment of our Strike a Pose series features one of art history’s most seminal postures. Mediums range from sculpture to oils and everything in between. You can find our article about adlocutio at my.meural.com/editorial/39.

The Latin word adlocutio refers to a formal speech given to the army by their general. The pose used to signify this is done so by assuming the Contrapposto pose while raising one hand (usually the right). In antiquity the right hand signified divinity and a raised arm signified power.