18th Century Kneeling Male Nude Academic Figure Study after de Lairesse, c1745
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Sheet size
37.5 × 24.5 cm (14.8 × 9.6 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14175-16
Condition
Good antique condition. Original laid paper with light, even age-related toning. Minor scattered spotting and light surface dirt, primarily in the margins. Soft edge wear consistent with age. Plate impression clearly visible.
About this sheet
18th Century Kneeling Male Nude Academic Figure Study after de Lairesse c1745
This finely engraved academic figure study depicts a kneeling male nude shown in profile, engaged in a dynamic pose that emphasizes muscular tension, balance, and anatomical structure. The figure’s forward lean, bent knee, and expressive positioning of the arms create a powerful sense of movement, making this plate an exemplary study of human anatomy and classical proportion.
The image is engraved after designs by Gérard de Lairesse (1641–1711), one of the most influential artists and theorists of the Baroque era. De Lairesse’s teachings formed the foundation of academic drawing across Europe, and his *Principes de dessin* was widely used in academies for generations. This impression originates from the German edition published circa 1745, a desirable mid-18th-century issue that is scarcer than later reprints.
Executed with precise linear engraving, the plate demonstrates exceptional control of light and shadow, particularly in the modeling of the torso, thighs, and shoulders. The restrained background focuses attention entirely on the figure, reinforcing its instructional purpose while also giving it strong decorative appeal. Such plates were intended for advanced students and professional artists and today are equally valued as works of art in their own right.
This engraving works beautifully as a standalone piece or as part of a curated group of academic figure studies, appealing to collectors of Old Master prints, classical art enthusiasts, and interior designers seeking timeless figurative imagery.
Condition Good antique condition. Original laid paper with light, even age-related toning. Minor scattered spotting and light surface dirt, primarily in the margins. Soft edge wear consistent with age. Plate impression clearly visible. No significant tears or losses.
Framing tips A dark wood or black frame complements the classical subject matter. Use a wide off-white or warm grey mat to enhance depth and emphasize the sculptural quality of the figure. Museum glass is recommended for preservation.
Technique: Line engraving Maker: After Gérard de Lairesse, German edition, circa 1745
