The Structure of the Rib Cage

Image: The Creation of Adam

Size: 480 x 230cm

Artist & Date: Michelangelo, 1511, Sistine Chapel

Image: Nude Study

Size: 410 x 281 mm

Artist & Date: Raphael Sanzi, c. 1515

Image: Fighting Men

Size: 379 x 281 mm

Artist & Date: Raphael Sanzi, 1510-1511

This first Rib Cage study is from the work "Fighting Men". The figure in this view is somewhat foreshortened to the viewer. The thoracic curve is obviously behind the figure, but I still drew it to show behind the body. The figure is in an awkward positon, looking up and twisting at the waist, so the rib cage must be facing more towards the ground than the front or side. Because of this, the sternum and clavicles face in that same direction, they are somewhat hidden but are still visible from this view.

I used the next image for both the front and 3/4 view, so It contains 2 rib cage tracings on the figures. This tracing is derived from the Nude study by Raphael. The front view figure, which is the one on the left, isnt facing directly to the viewer but you can see front of his body. This figure is leaning on a staff, but the outline of the rib cage is still clearly visible, so the outline of the cartilage is easily visible as well.

The figure on the right is a 3/4 view. From this view, the thoracic curve is clearly displayed and has a rather dramatic curve to it. The shoulder blades are also clearly defined in this work, which means the figure is twisting a slight bit, showing the definition in his left scapula. The rib cage in this picture is visible, but the ribs are no so easily portrayed due to the muscular build of this figure, so the abs and obliques restrict the clear view of the ribcage such as in the other figure.