Anatomical Muscle Figure with Shovel Academic Engraving German, ca.1745
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1745
Sheet size
37.5 × 24.5 cm (14.8 × 9.6 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14175-19
Condition
Good antique condition. Original laid paper with light, even age toning. Minor scattered foxing and faint surface marks, mainly in the margins. Slight edge wear consistent with age. Clear plate impression visible. No major tears or restorations.
About this sheet
18th Century Anatomical Muscle Figure with Shovel Academic Engraving German c1745
Description This striking academic engraving depicts a standing male figure shown in profile, holding a shovel and rendered with exposed musculature. The figure is presented in a contrapposto stance, combining anatomical precision with a sculptural, almost heroic presence. The shovel serves both as a compositional support and as a symbolic tool, reinforcing the study of balance, weight distribution, and bodily mechanics.
The engraving belongs to a series of academic anatomy studies issued in a German edition around 1745, based on the principles and designs established by Gérard de Lairesse (1641–1711). De Lairesse’s influence on European art education was immense, and his approach emphasized ideal proportions, classical pose, and clarity of form. These plates were created specifically for artists and academies rather than for medical instruction, bridging the worlds of fine art and anatomical science.
Fine line engraving and controlled cross-hatching articulate the musculature with exceptional clarity. The chest, abdomen, arms, and legs are carefully modeled to demonstrate tension and relaxation within the pose. The subtle shadow cast behind the figure enhances depth while keeping the focus firmly on the anatomy itself. The overall effect is both instructive and visually powerful.
Such plates are highly sought after by collectors of Old Master prints, academic figure studies, and historical anatomy. They also appeal strongly to interior designers looking for intellectually grounded imagery with a timeless, classical aesthetic.
Condition Good antique condition. Original laid paper with light, even age toning. Minor scattered foxing and faint surface marks, mainly in the margins. Slight edge wear consistent with age. Clear plate impression visible. No major tears or restorations observed.
Framing tips A dark wood or black frame emphasizes the graphic strength of the figure. Pair with a wide off-white or soft grey mat to highlight the engraving and preserve its academic character. UV-protective or museum glass is recommended.
Technique: Line engraving Maker: After Gérard de Lairesse, German edition, circa 1745
