Écorché

An écorché (French for "flayed") is a figure, often a human or animal, depicted without skin to display the underlying musculature. It is a visual representation used in anatomy study and artistic practice to understand and illustrate the structure of muscles.

Écorché figures typically show a detailed and accurate rendering of the various muscle groups, their attachments, and their relationship to the skeletal structure. The intent is to provide a clear and accessible view of the body's internal mechanics, making it a valuable tool for artists seeking to improve their anatomical accuracy and for medical students learning about the human body.

The practice of creating écorchés dates back to the Renaissance, with notable examples created by artists and anatomists like Leonardo da Vinci. Artists create écorchés using various methods, including sculpting in clay, plaster, or other materials, then meticulously removing the "skin" to reveal the muscles below. The resulting figures can be life-sized or smaller, and often serve as models for other artists to study.