March Auction
Lot 172:
Antique European School, Double Sided Academic Figure Studies, Graphite drawing
Description
Academic Figure Studies (Male Nude and Female Bust) Graphite on paper Double-sided sheet
A large academic study sheet bearing two graphite drawings, executed on both sides of the paper. One side depicts a standing male nude figure shown in contrapposto, bent forward with one arm resting on the hip, the musculature carefully articulated with attention to anatomical structure and volume. The reverse features a bust-length study of a female figure, rendered in three-quarter view, with softly modeled facial features and drapery suggesting classical or allegorical subject matter.
Details
Medium: Graphite on paper
Support: Single sheet, drawn on both sides
Dimensions: approx. 63 × 48 cm
Technique: Pencil with tonal shading
Condition:
Foxing and scattered staining throughout
Creases and folds visible
Edge losses, small tears, and fraying
Overall surface wear consistent with age and use in an academic context
Catalogue Note
Double-sided academic drawing sheets of this scale were commonly used in European art academies during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, where paper was reused for figure studies and exercises. The male nude reflects classical academic ideals rooted in the study of antique sculpture and anatomical precision, while the female bust demonstrates a complementary focus on facial modeling and drapery.
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