Naked male torso seen from behind

This etching captures the intricate musculature of the human back through dense, precise cross-hatching that suggests both depth and physical tension. The figure is isolated against a plain background, focusing the viewer's attention entirely on the biological mechanics of the body. Though created in the 17th century by Wenceslaus Hollar, the work reproduces a design originally conceived by Leonardo da Vinci during his intensive anatomical investigations.

This work reflects the Renaissance transition toward natural philosophy, where the human body was studied as a 'microcosm'—a small-scale reflection of the divine mechanics of the universe. Leonardo's anatomical studies were not merely artistic exercises but were part of a broader project to understand the underlying geometric and physical laws governing all creation.