Anatomical Skeleton Study Engraving Academic Figure German Edition, 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-14175-18
Condition
Good antique condition. Original laid paper with light overall toning. Minor scattered foxing and faint surface marks, mainly in the margins. Slight edge wear consistent with age. Strong, clear plate impression visible. No major tears or restorations.
About this sheet
18th Century Anatomical Skeleton Study Engraving Academic Figure German Edition c1745
This finely engraved anatomical plate presents two standing skeleton figures shown from frontal and three-quarter views, posed in a classical contrapposto stance and holding measuring implements. The composition combines scientific accuracy with academic elegance, reflecting the strong influence of classical sculpture and artistic proportion on early modern anatomical teaching.
The engraving is based on the academic principles established by Gérard de Lairesse (1641–1711), whose theories on ideal form and structure shaped European art education for decades. Issued in a German edition circa 1745, this plate belongs to a series intended for artists, sculptors, and academies as a visual foundation for understanding human proportion, balance, and skeletal mechanics.
The skeletons are rendered with meticulous attention to bone structure, articulation, and posture. The ribcage, pelvis, and limbs are clearly defined, while the subtle contrapposto stance introduces a sculptural quality rarely seen in purely medical illustrations. The inclusion of measuring tools underscores the didactic function of the plate, linking anatomy directly to artistic practice rather than surgery or pathology.
The restrained background and crisp framing line emphasize the figures, allowing the engraving to function both as an instructional image and as a striking decorative work. Plates of this type are especially sought after by collectors of Old Master prints, anatomy, memento mori imagery, and interior designers looking for intellectual yet visually compelling wall pieces.
Condition Good antique condition. Original laid paper with light overall toning. Minor scattered foxing and faint surface marks, mainly in the margins. Slight edge wear consistent with age. Strong, clear plate impression visible. No major tears or restorations observed.
Framing tips A dark wood or black frame complements the graphic clarity of the skeletons. Use a wide off-white or warm grey mat to enhance contrast and preserve the academic character. Museum glass is recommended.
Technique: Line engraving Maker: After Gérard de Lairesse, German edition, circa 1745
