Verso A standing male nude, seen from behind, and studies of arms, 1860,0616.94

A muscular male figure is depicted from behind in a slight contrapposto pose, emphasizing the underlying skeletal and muscular structure. Above the main figure are three distinct sketches of a right arm and hand, exploring the tension of the muscles and the articulation of the fingers. The drawing uses fine cross-hatching and contour lines to define the physical form with precision.

This drawing reflects the Renaissance concept of the human body as a microcosm, a physical reflection of the divine order and harmony of the universe. Raphael's anatomical rigor aligns with the natural philosophy of the era, which sought to decode the hidden laws of nature through the scientific observation of the human form.