Define lay figure in the context of art.

A lay figure in art refers to a wooden or jointed mannequin used by artists as a model to pose for figure studies during the creation of paintings or sculptures. It is a versatile and articulated tool that can be adjusted to various positions and angles, allowing artists to properly understand and capture human anatomy, proportions, and movement. Lay figures can be found in different shapes and sizes, typically resembling the average human figure, and are made of wood or other materials like metal or plastic. The use of lay figures in art dates back to ancient times, where they were employed by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. These figures provide artists with a reliable and static representation of the human form, making it easier to study and practice depicting the body accurately. Artists can utilize lay figures to explore compositional elements, experiment with lighting and shading, and visualize the interaction between multiple figures. By using a lay figure, artists can work at their own pace, without the need to rely on live models. Furthermore, lay figures are also useful for artists who wish to depict dynamic or complex poses that would be challenging for a human model to maintain. Overall, lay figures are valuable tools in the artistic process, aiding artists in the development of their technical skills and artistic vision.