Epaulement refers to turning which part of the body to enhance line?

Epaulement refers to turning which part of the body to enhance line?

• A. The head only
• B. The shoulders only
• C. The upper body
• D. The hips

Answer: (C)

Epaulement is the turning of the upper body to create a more expressive line. It involves rotating the shoulders and chest, with the head often following, so the line extends diagonally through the torso. The hips stay relatively square to the front, so the change in direction comes from the upper body. That’s why the upper body is the best answer: epaulement intentionally uses the rotation of the shoulders and upper torso (and head as needed) to sculpt the line, rather than just moving the head or turning the hips.

Epaulement is the turning of the upper body to create a more expressive line. It involves rotating the shoulders and chest, with the head often following, so the line extends diagonally through the torso. The hips stay relatively square to the front, so the change in direction comes from the upper body. That’s why the upper body is the best answer: epaulement intentionally uses the rotation of the shoulders and upper torso (and head as needed) to sculpt the line, rather than just moving the head or turning the hips.