18th Century Male Nude with Shovel 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-14175-15
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 Male Nude with Shovel Academic Figure Study after de Lairesse c1745
Description This striking academic figure engraving depicts a standing male nude holding a shovel, a classical studio prop used to establish balance, weight distribution, and proportional alignment. The figure is shown in a relaxed contrapposto stance, with the torso subtly twisting and the head turned upward, allowing for a comprehensive study of anatomy, musculature, and classical ideal form.
The composition is engraved after designs by Gérard de Lairesse (1641–1711), one of the most influential artists and theorists of the Baroque period. His treatise *Principes de dessin* played a foundational role in European academic art education and was widely disseminated through multiple editions. This example originates from the German edition published circa 1745, which is considered scarcer than both the original French editions and later 19th-century impressions.
The engraving demonstrates exceptional control of line and shading, with finely articulated musculature and a strong sense of volume. The shovel functions as both a compositional anchor and a didactic tool, reinforcing vertical alignment and grounding the figure in space. Such plates were intended for advanced students and professional artists and remain highly sought after today for their aesthetic clarity and instructional value.
This print 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, sculptural 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, walnut, or black frame enhances the classical subject. Use a wide off-white or warm grey mat to create depth and emphasize the sculptural quality of the figure. Museum glass is recommended for long-term preservation.
Technique: Line engraving Maker: After Gérard de Lairesse, German edition, circa 1745
