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Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

ACADEMIC STYLE

During the Renaissance, the first European fine art academies were established in Italy and would guide the style and standards of visual culture in the following centuries. Academic art became dominant across the continent in the 17th century, with artists coming together to offer instruction in this style of painting and sculpture

The academic art period represented a significant change from the previous era when painters, sculptors and other artists were part of guilds and seen more as artisans than purveyors of culture. While patronage from the elite and the church remained pivotal, young artists were able to support themselves for the first time through academic exhibitions and an independent marketplace. The leading academies included the French Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture founded in Paris in 1648 (which became the Académie des Beaux-Arts after the French Revolution) and the London Royal Academy of Arts formed in 1768 under the inaugural leadership of painter Joshua Reynolds

Academy students sketched drawings based on prints, sculptures and, finally, live models. Movements including neoclassicism and romanticism were particularly popular in these art schools and institutions where the influence of Raphael and Nicolas Poussin was prominent. Beaux Arts architecture and furniture design drew on these movements, too, and, as they also originated at the Académie des Beaux-Arts, the disciplines share common ground with academic painting and sculpture.

Although academic art was a major shift for artistic status when it began, by the middle of the 19th century it was viewed as stodgy and resistant to new ideas, with the subject matter of artists such as William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Jean-Léon Gérôme generally limited to allegorical or mythological themes. Impressionism, realism and the other movements that engaged with contemporary issues that followed were direct reactions to the academic tradition, although it continued to inform the avant-garde as artists like Gustav Klimt and Pablo Picasso started their practices as academic realists.  

Find a collection of academic paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs. 

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Style: Academic
Nudo maschile nella posa di un satiro dormiente. XIX secolo
Located in Firenze, IT
Disegno del nudo maschile. Dal 19 ° secolo Disegno su carta leggermente colorata. In buone condizioni. Il disegno rappresenta un uomo sdraiato, che si abbandona al sonno. In una posa...
Category

19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Carbon Pencil

1900s French Atelier Life Drawing Academic Sculpture of Male Nude Figure
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Life study drawing original atelier drawing by the French artist, Jeanne Nachat (1898-1984) Nachat attended the prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts in Pa...
Category

Early 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil, Charcoal

Study of a male nude
Located in PARIS, FR
Constance CHARPENTIER (1767-1849) Study of a male nude Charcoal and highlights with white chalk Dimensions: 56.5 x 43.87 cm Provenance Private...
Category

Early 19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal

Preparatory anatomical study for the figure of a man with hands on his face.
Located in Firenze, IT
Preparatory anatomical study for the figure of a man with hands on his face. Drawing of a medium-sized male nude. From the 19th century Drawing on slightly greyish colored paper. In ...
Category

Late 19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gesso, Paper, Charcoal, Carbon Pencil

Biedermeier Period Academic Life Study Male Nude Carrying a Staff circa 1826.
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Eduard Braun. German ( b.1798 - d.1876 ). Academic Life Study of a Male Nude Carrying a Staff Pencil and Charcoal on Paper with Heightening on paper. Annotation (presumably a dedication) lower left. Paper size 24 inches x 16.5 inches ( 61cm x 42cm ). Frame size 30.1 inches x 22.2 inches ( 76.5cm x 56.5cm ). Available for sale; this academic life drawing of a male nude is by the German artist Eduard Braun and dates from around 1826. The drawing is presented and supplied in an interesting configuration with a modern twist (which is shown in these photographs). The drawing has been mounted between two sheets of Tru Vue Museum Glass® UV99 so that the wall or setting behind the hanging is visible and therefore provides the surround for the artwork. This antique drawing is in very good condition, commensurate with its age. It wants for nothing and is supplied ready to hang and display. The drawing is not signed but came from a portfolio of drawings by Eduard Braun. This drawing has a later annotation and presumably a dedication in red ink in the bottom left hand corner. The annotation is the monogram HL within a heart. The configuration of the HL resembles the format used by the French artist Henri Laurens 1885 – 1954 where the downstroke of the L is merged with the second downstroke of the H. This stunning original pencil and charcoal drawing on paper is by a German artist called Eduard Braun. He was born in 1798 and died in 1876, but little else is known about him apart from the fact that he was active in the Paris art salons and rooms. This drawing is from a portfolio by this artist on a similar theme and is typical of the type of academic study undertaken by serious art students throughout the nineteenth century. One of the other drawings in this portfolio is annotated as being created in 1826 and there is every reason to think that this drawing is contemporaneous with that. The drawing is of a very high standard, capturing both strength and sensitivity, showcasing the artist’s ability to reproduce a lifelike image of a nude model. The subject of this drawing is a young man, possibly in his mid-twenties, with a toned and muscular body. He is standing with his weight on his right leg, which is slightly bent, and holding a wooden staff in his right hand. His left foot is raised slightly with the toes pointed, and his left hand is placed behind his back. Although he is facing fully towards the viewer, his gaze is to his left. He has pleasant, serene expression on his face. The background is bare, save for the shadow cast by the model. This original antique drawing...
Category

Early 19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Pencil

“Reclining Female Nude”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original conte crayon drawing of a reclining female nude on tinted archival paper by the American artist, Renate Duncan. Signed lower left. Artist full name and address verso. Circa ...
Category

1980s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Conté

Biedermeier Period Academic Life Study Male Nude Half Kneeling Pose circa 1826
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Eduard Braun. German ( b.1798 - d.1876 ). Academic Life Study of a Male Nude Half Kneeling Pose Pencil and Charcoal on Paper with Heightening on paper. Paper size 22.8 inches x 17.3 ...
Category

Early 19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Pencil

Academic Life Studies of Male Nudes. Double Sided Rear View and Arms Aloft Pose
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Eduard Braun. German ( b.1798 - d.1876 ). Academic Life Study of a Male Nude Rear View Holding a Cane on the reverse Academic Life Study of a Male Nude Arms ...
Category

Early 19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Pencil

MB 017 (Figurative Life Drawing of Female Nude by Mark Beard)
Located in Hudson, NY
Academic style life drawing of female nude with charcoal and graphite by Mark Beard, "MB 017" graphite, Conte crayon and charcoal on Arches paper 30 x 22 inches unframed Signed, lowe...
Category

2010s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal, Archival Paper, Graphite, Conté

“Sitting Female Nude”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original conte crayon drawing of a sitting female nude on tinted archival paper by the American artist, Renate Duncan. Signed lower left. Circa 1980. Condition is excellent. The art...
Category

1980s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Conté

Academic study of male Nude. Two -sided. Sketches on reverce. 19th century
Located in Firenze, IT
19th century Italian school drawing. Academic study of the figure of the young naked man. Drawing made from two sides of the sheet of paper On the other side two feet and an arm are ...
Category

19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Chalk, Crayon, Pencil, Carbon Pencil

Academic Drawing. Figure Study of Young Sitting Nude Man. 19th Century.
Located in Firenze, IT
Charcoal drawing on light gray-blue colored paper. The drawing depicts a young man sitting with the hand on forehead. the position is probably meant to express the feeling of regret,...
Category

19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Steel

'Female Nude', by R.V. Goetz, Charcoal on Paper Drawing
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This Richard Vernon Goetz Drawing on Paper from the mid-20th Century features a standing female nude rendered in black and grey cross-hatch lines of Charcoal and Conté Crayon. The we...
Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Conté

Resting Man (Man relaxes draped only in a small towel)
Located in New Orleans, LA
A rare pencil drawing by John Lear created in 1937, signed and dated in pencil. John Brock Lear, Jr. Born: 1910 - Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania Died: ...
Category

1930s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil, Graphite

"Sons and Lovers" Drill Drawing, #2
Located in Dallas, TX
Signed by artist "M. O'KEEFE 2013" at lower left. Media is graphite on clay-coated panel. Overall dimensions including the frame are 18 x 15 inches.
Category

2010s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Clay, Panel, Graphite

1900s French Atelier Academic Drawing Portrait of Classical Male Nude Sculpture
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Life study drawing original atelier drawing by the French artist, Jeanne Nachat (1898-1984) Nachat attended the prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts in Pa...
Category

Early 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil, Charcoal

Dusk from the Tomb of Lorenzo di Piero de'Medici - Original Ink Drawing
Located in Chicago, IL
This particular drawing is a study of the sculpture at the Medici Chapel in Florence, Italy. The artist creates a true to life representation of the sculpture in question by incorporating techniques of classical academic drawing such as cross hatching and gesture based mark making in order to create volumes and give the study an overall three-dimensionality. Christopher Ganz Dusk from the Tomb of Lorenzo di Piero de'Medici, by Michaelangelo, in Florence Ballpoint pen 24h x 13w in 61h x 33.29w cm CG0064 -ARTIST STATEMENT- I depict my person in multiplicity with different selves representing dramatis personae. My likeness is both implicit and symbolic in the portrayal of my narrative; the drama involved in creating art and the artist’s role in society. I use realism to invite the viewer into mysterious inner worlds that are layered reflections of the outer. Dehumanizing environments are imbued with art historical references as a critique of power structures. The artist is an Everyman who is at odds with society and his self. Visually my work is a celebration of society’s dark undercurrents and its overlooked absurdities. I use charcoal and printmaking media as their tenebrous values add a fitting metaphor. The nuances of light and shadow seduce viewers into a world their better judgment would have them avoid. This provokes a sense of disquietude that causes viewers to assess our world through the austerity of a colorless, yet not humorless, light. -BIO- Christopher Ganz grew up in Northeast Ohio and from early on had a fertile imagination and an interest in art. Christopher's artistic education truly began at the University of Missouri, where his love of the human form led to many figure drawing classes and his exposure to the wonders of printmaking. Christopher's then went onto graduate school at Indiana University and a summer abroad program in Italy was a dream realized. Christopher then grasped charcoal with a renewed vigor and large, sfumato-laden drawings ensued. Christopher's artistic influences are many; from a seminal exposure to Dore's engravings of the Divine Comedy, to Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Goya, and up to Lucian Freud, Mark Tansey, and Michael Mazur. Christopher is now an associate professor of printmaking and drawing at Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Christopher drawings are represented by Ann Nathan Gallery in Chicago, and he shows his prints across the nation. -CV- EDUCATION MFA 2001 Printmaking Indiana University-Bloomington BFA 1995 Drawing and Printmaking University of Missouri-Columbia TEACHING/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2002-13 Associate Professor, Printmaking and Drawing Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), Fort Wayne, IN 2002 Adjunct Professor: Lithography (instructor of record) Indiana University-Bloomington 1998-00 Associate Instructor: Beginning Drawing (instructor of record) Indiana University-Bloomington 1998 Artist’s Assistant, Assisted Distinguished Professor Emeritus Rudy Pozzatti in the production of an intaglio edition, Bloomington, IN SOLO OR SMALL GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2013 Multiplicities: Drawings and Prints by Christopher Ganz, Franklin College, Franklin, IN Feb. 5 – Feb. 21 2012 Dramatis Personae: Drawings and Prints by Christopher Ganz, University of South Carolina-Columbia, Jan 16. – Feb. 16, 2012 2011 Christopher Ganz; Prints and Drawing Hendrix College, Hendrix, Arkansas, March 5 - 18 2009 Fall Season Exhibition, six drawings displayed Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago. Oct 16 – Nov. 24 South Bend Museum of Art Biennial 25 - regional juried exhibition for artists in all media, six large drawings displayed; 14 artists selected from over 200 submissions; May 30-Aug. 23 Juror: William Lieberman, Director of Zolla/Lieberman Gallery, Chicago 2007 Christopher Ganz: Drawings, The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center Covington, KY, March 9 - April 6 Alter Egos: Drawings and Prints by Christopher Ganz Trisolini Gallery, Ohio University, Athens, OH, Jan. 9 - Feb.17 2005 The Two-Way Mirror: Self - Portraits by Christopher Ganz Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne, IN, Aug.20 - Oct. 23 2004 Works on Paper: Christopher Ganz and Paul Schumann Robert E. Wilson Gallery, Huntington College, Huntington, IN, Sept. 2 - 25 2002 Images by Christopher Ganz - Visual Arts Gallery Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, Sept. 3 – Oct. 11 2001 M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition - School of Fine Arts Gallery Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, March 27 - April 7 SELECTED ADJUDICATED OR INVITATIONAL GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2012 International Expositions of Sculpture Objects and Functional Art (SOFA) Chicago, Drawing, “The Initiation” on display in Ann Nathan Gallery space, Nov. 2-4 Reverse Watching, Invitational Print Portfolio Monoprint, “The Mind’s Eye" displayed at Mid America Print Council’s National Conference, Southeast Missouri State, Cape Girardeau, MO, Nov. 1 – 3 Contemporary American Realism: Fort Wayne Museum of Art 2012 National Biennial, Fort Wayne, IN, Aug.11-Oct. 28 32nd Annual National Print Exhibition at Artlink - National Juried Exhibition Artlink Gallery, Fort Wayne, IN, April 13 – May 23 Juror: Ladislav Hanka, internationally exhibiting printmaker International Expositions of Sculpture Objects and Functional Art (SOFA) New York, Park Avenue Armory, Drawing, “The Enigma” on display in Ann Nathan Gallery space, April 20-23 Spring Group Show, drawings, “Checking Out” and “The Enigma” displayed, April – May 2 Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago 2011 Prints U.S.A. 2011 – National Juried Exhibition Springfield Art Museum, Missouri, Nov. 18 – Jan. 8 Juror: Elizabeth Wyckoff, Curator of Prints, Drawings & Photographs, St. Louis Art Museum International expositions of Sculpture Objects and Functional Art (SOFA) New York, Park Avenue Armory, Drawing, Checking Out on display in Ann Nathan Gallery space, April 14-17 2010 Contemporary American Realism: Fort Wayne Museum of Art 2010 National Biennial, Fort Wayne, IN, Sept. 3 – Nov. 7; two pieces accepted Cultural Baggage, Invitational Print Portfolio Intaglio print, Super-Heroes go to Hell, after Dore’ displayed at Mid America Print Council’s National Conference, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, Chicago, Oct. 13-16 Art Chicago: International Fair of Contemporary and Modern Art Drawing, The Cyclops on display in Ann Nathan Gallery space, April 29 - May 2 30th Annual National Print Exhibition at Artlink - National Juried Exhibition Artlink Gallery, Fort Wayne, IN, April 16 – May 26 Juror: Claudia Berlinski, Senior Lecturer of Printmaking at Akron University, Akron, OH 2009 Are you looking at me? Invitational Print Portfolio Color lithograph, Open and Shut, displayed at IMPACT 6: International Print Conference Centre for Fine Print Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, Sept. 16 – 19 Art Chicago: International Fair of Contemporary and Modern Art Drawing, Self-Checkout on display in Ann Nathan Gallery space, May 1 – 4 Identification Please, Invitational Print Portfolio Intaglio print, Good Cop/Bad Cop displayed at Southern Graphics Council National Conference, Columbia College, Chicago, March 25 – 29 Boston Printmakers 2009 North American Print Biennial – National juried printmaking exhibition Juror: Rebecca Waddell, Curator of Prints at the New York Public Library Boston University’s 808 Gallery, Boston, MA, Feb. 15 – March 30 22nd Parkside National Small Print Exhibition - National Juried Exhibition University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, WI, Jan.18 - Feb. 19 Juror: Professor of printmaking at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside Portraits and Beyond, Ann Nathan Galley, Chicago, IL, Jan. 9 - Feb 19 2008 Contemporary American Realism: Fort Wayne Museum of Art 2008 National Biennial, Fort Wayne, IN, Sept13 – Nov. 2; two pieces accepted 28th Annual National Print Exhibition at Artlink - National Juried Exhibition 2008 Artlink Gallery, Fort Wayne, IN, April 11 – May 21 Juror: Mark Pascale, Printmaking Faculty, School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Curator of Prints and Drawing, Art Institute of Chicago “No Danger” - Invitational Portfolio Folded paper airplane lithograph, “The Dream of Flight” displayed at Richmond International Airport as part of the Southern Graphics Council National Conference Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, March 26 – April 26 21st Parkside National Small Print Exhibition - National Juried Exhibition University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, WI, Jan.20 - Feb. 21 Juror: Karla Hackenmiller, Printmaking Chair and Associate Professor, School of Fine Arts, Ohio University 2007 Singularities – Invitational group exhibit Joan Resnikoff Gallery, Roxbury Community College, Boston, MA Nov. 2 – Dec. 17 Hong Kong Graphics Art Festival 2007: Crossing Boundaries - Invitational international printmaking exchange exhibition School of Design Gallery, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China, Nov. 1 – Nov. 16 27th Annual National Print Exhibition at Artlink - National Juried Exhibition Artlink Gallery, Fort Wayne, IN, May 26 - July 5; two pieces accepted Award Selector: Brett Colley, Assistant Professor of Art and Design, Grand Valley State University Boston Printmakers 2007 North American Print Biennial – National juried printmaking exhibition Boston University’s 808 Gallery, Boston, MA, Feb. 18 - April 1 Juror: Judith B. Hecker, Assistant Curator, Department of Prints and Illustrated Books, The Museum of Modern Art, New York 2006 The Printed Image: The First Biennial Midwestern Graphics Juried Exhibition National Juried Printmaking Exhibition Alice C. Sabatini Gallery, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, Topeka, KS Aug. 11 - Sept 15 Juror: Karen Kunc, Professor of Printmaking/Book Arts, University of Nebraska- Lincoln 2006 National Contemporary American Realism: Fort Wayne Museum of Art's 2006 Biennial, Fort Wayne, IN, June 10 - Aug. 20; two pieces accepted 26th Annual National Print Exhibition at Artlink - National Juried Exhibition Artlink Gallery, Fort Wayne, IN, May 26 - July 5; two pieces accepted Award Selector: Carolyn Autry, artist and Associate Professor of Art and Art History at the University of Toledo 19th University of Dallas Print Invitational - Traveling national invitational exhibition Haggerty Gallery, University of Dallas, Irving TX, Jan. 28 – March 6 three pieces accepted Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, TX, Feb. 1 – March 9, 2007 Juror: Juergen Strunck...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pen, Paper

'Erika in Gesture II, ' by James Cobb, Drawing
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This framed 21" x 19" academic drawing by artist James Cobb, 'Erika in Gesture II,' captures a female model in a standing pose. Facing away from the viewer...
Category

2010s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Conté, Graphite

British early 20th Century pastel drawing of Puck, Midsommers Night Dream
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Herbert James Draper (British, 1863-1920) Puck Pastel Inscribed ”PUCK” (middle left) and further inscribed and signed `Study for Puck/ Herbert Dra...
Category

20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel

'Erika in Gesture I, ' by James Cobb, Drawing
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This framed 21" x 19" drawing by artist James Cobb, 'Erika in Gesture I,' captures the female model in a seated pose. The model is seated with her legs tuck...
Category

2010s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Chalk, Conté, Graphite

Two Women (Contemporary Female Figurative Nude Drawing))
Located in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans/Washington State artist Lue Isaac shows off her remarkable draftsmanship with this classical nude figure drawing. Note that this is from her ske...
Category

2010s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Conté

Italian Art nouveau Nude Boudoir painting woman warming herself by a stove Paris
By Tito Lessi
Located in Norwich, GB
A very pure and tender rendition of a female nude. Elegant in its simplicity, the artist's model, is warming herself by a large stove! It is a work by Tito Lessi dating from circa 1890. Lessi was born in Florence, Italy and studied at the Florentine Academy of Fine Arts, under Enrico Pollastrini and Antonio Ciseri...
Category

1890s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Laid Paper, Watercolor

nude drawing 56 pencil women
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
José Cruz Herrera (1890-1972) - Nude Drawing 56 Measurements drawing 30x22 cm. Frame measures 50x41 cm. Certificate of authenticity is attached.
Category

1960s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Carbon Pencil

nude drawing 59 pencil women
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
José Cruz Herrera (1890-1972) - Nude Drawing 59 Measurements drawing 30x22 cm. Frame measures 50x41 cm. Certificate of authenticity is attached.
Category

1960s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Carbon Pencil

"Lying naked woman" by Emile Hornung - Pastel on paper 65x49 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on watercolor paper
Category

Early 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Carbon Pencil, Pastel

She Ain't Heavy - She's My Lover (Contemporary Figurative Nude Drawing))
Located in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans/Washington State artist Lue Isaac shows off her remarkable draftsmanship with this classical nude figure drawing. Note that this is from her ske...
Category

2010s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Graphite

'Female Nude Figure Study, ' by John Fenton, Drawing on Paper
By John Fenton
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This framed 23.5" x 19.5" drawing of a seated female nude depicts the figure in a frontal pose leaning forward with one leg raised and elbow placed on her kneecap. Her head rests in ...
Category

Late 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Conté

'Ballerina in Repose #2, ' by James Cobb, Charcoal and Conte Drawing, 2021
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This framed 13.5" x 13.5" charcoal and conte drawing by artist James Cobb captures a ballerina in a seated, relaxed pose. The work is on toned gray drawing...
Category

2010s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Chalk, Conté, Charcoal

Sketch of man by Otto Vautier - Pencil on paper 22x45 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper Stamp of the workshop of O. Vautier Dimension of the passe-partout framing 52.5 x 38 cm
Category

Early 19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Crayon

La femme préhistorique (Prehistoric Woman)
Located in New Orleans, LA
James Tissot was among the most successful and critically acclaimed artists of the Victorian era. Although the artist is celebrated for his elegant scenes of fashionable life in Paris and London, this work is a fascinating rarity within his oeuvre. In this monumental pastel, Tissot depicts a prehistoric woman draped in a tiger skin, presented with a striking pose and heroic air. His delicate portraiture, combined with his fascination with conveying texture, demonstrates why he was one of the most revered artists of his generation, and La femme préhistorique illustrates the remarkable technique for which he was renowned. This work was completed in preparation for a series of works exploring the Old Testament undertaken by Tissot from 1899-1902 that remained unfinished at the time of his death. A portion of this series focused on illustrations of Adam and Eve, and among these sketches were images of a nude Eve partially draped in animal furs. Towards the end of his life, following his conversion to Catholicism, biblical subjects became important to the artist. A few years before this work was completed, Tissot embarked upon a highly ambitious group of nearly 300 watercolors illustrating the New Testament, presenting the illustrated epic in its entirety at the Paris Salon of 1894. Both of these series were a critical artistic departure for the artist, stemming from a desire to create works separated from his typical images of modern society. This pastel imagines Eve as the prototype of womanhood in the guise of a prehistoric woman. Tissot rarely painted the nude, and his skill as a draftsman highlights the figure's natural beauty, contrasting it with the stark landscape surrounding her. Although a study, this monumental work is incredibly well-finished and highly engaging, with the statuesque model commanding the majority of the canvas. Her pose is strong and theatrical, and she addresses the viewer with a direct, confident gaze. The imagined historical subject of this drawing is grounded by Tissot’s exceptional attention to detail. A master of conjuring an array of textures, Tissot showcased this ability in this work by juxtaposing many types of fabrics and natural elements within one composition. The tiger skin with which the woman partially covers herself was a favorite studio prop of Tissot’s, appearing in many of his most influential works from the period, including several paintings of his partner and favorite model Kathleen Newton. It, in particular, showcases the artist’s understanding of texture, yet it also serves as an exotic element that elevates the sensuality of the scene when placed against the woman’s bare skin. Born in 1836 in the port town of Nantes, Tissot traveled to Paris at the age of 20 in order to join the studios of Hippolyte Flandrin and Louis Lamothe. During this period, he became close with James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Edgar Degas and Edouard Manet, and the impact of these friendships is reflected in his portraits of modern life. Having enjoyed considerable success in Paris during the 1860s, Tissot fought in the Siege of Paris, and after the fall of the Commune in 1871, he went to London, where he stayed for the next ten years. He was met with incredible success there, and he also met the love of his life, Kathleen Newton, a divorcée, with whom he lived from about 1876 until her death in 1882. Today he is regarded among the great masters of Belle Époque painting, and his works can be found in important collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the National Gallery of Art, the Musée d’Orsay, the Tate Gallery and many others. This pastel remained in Tissot's private collection until his death in 1902 and is referenced in the posthumous 1902-3 valuation of Tissot's home at 64 avenue du Bois...
Category

Early 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Laid Paper, Canvas, Oil Pastel, Pastel

Art Lovers and Art Critics Analyzing Obscene Painting. Cartoon
Located in Miami, FL
Cartoonist Richard Taylor was trained in academic art. He frequently comments on abstract art which was the new and radical thing at the time. "Curtis sees so much more in these thi...
Category

1940s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Board

Nude Sketch #2
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A rare work on paper by Ben Fenske. A sketch of a female nude, posing. Drawn from direct observation using a live model. White chalk is used to create highlights. Not framed. Wrapped...
Category

Early 2000s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

1980 Fauno e Ninfa Faun and Nymph Pencil on Paper Figurative Drawing
Located in Brescia, IT
This delicate drawing of the dance between a Faun and the Nimph, looks following the Jean Cocteau clean line drawings. We can see in this scene, the grace and simplicity of the Neoc...
Category

1980s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper

19th Century British pen, watercolour drawing of a nude by William Edward Frost
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
William Edward Frost RA (British, 1811 – 1877) Female nude Pen and ink and watercolour 7.1/4 x 4 in. (18.2 x 10 cm.) Provenance: The Maas Gallery, London. No. 13863
Category

19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, Paper, Pen

Nu feminin, 1937 - watercolor, 24x41, framed
Located in Nice, FR
Aquarelle sur papier, signée et datée 1937. Dimensions avec le cadre: 51x68 cm. Odilon Roche est né le 3 octobre 1868 à Châteauneuf-sur-Loire. Mort le 27 août 1947 à Six-Fours (Var...
Category

1930s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

British 19th Century drawing of a nude by Edward Stott
By Edward Stott
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Edward Stott, ARA (British, 1859 - 1918) Reclining nude Pastel and black crayon 8.1/2 x 12.1/4 in. (21.7 x 31.2 cm.) Provenance: Abbott and Holder, London A few years after its foundation in 1886, a critic referred to the New English Art Club as that Steery, Starry, Stotty. Stotty referred to William Stott of Oldham and Edward William Stott. The four men had in common the love French plein air painting...
Category

19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel, Crayon

Nude Sketch No. 3
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An academic drawing of a female nude figure sitting atop a flat surface. He highlights the body with white chalk. She leans on one arm and the other rests behind her torso. Artist B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

Untitled: Women in Bath
Located in New York, NY
Unknown/Unidentified Artist, "Untitled: Women In Bath", Signed Figurative/ Nude Watercolor, Charcoal (Mixed Media) Painting on Paper, 14 x 17, Late 20th Century, 1967 Colors: Black,...
Category

Late 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal, Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor

Untitled: Seated Rear Nude 2
Located in New York, NY
Unknown/Unidentified Artist, "Untitled: Seated Rear Nude 2", Unsigned Figurative/ Nude Watercolor, Charcoal (Mixed Media) Painting on Paper, 18 x 14, Late 20th Century Colors: Brown...
Category

Late 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Mixed Media, Charcoal, Paper

Untitled: Left Side Seated Nude
Located in New York, NY
Unknown/Unidentified Artist, "Untitled: Left Side Seated Nude", Unsigned Figurative/ Nude Watercolor, Charcoal (Mixed Media) Painting on Paper, 18 x 14, Late...
Category

Late 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Mixed Media, Charcoal, Paper

Untitled: Three Nude Females
Located in New York, NY
Unknown/Unidentified Artist, "Untitled: Three Nude Females", Figurative/ Nude Charcoal signed Drawing on Paper, 24 x 18, Late 20th Century Colors: Black a...
Category

Late 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

Untitled: Seated Rear Nude
Located in New York, NY
Unknown/Unidentified Artist, "Untitled: Seated Rear Nude", Unsigned Figurative/ Nude Watercolor, Charcoal (Mixed Media) Painting on Paper, 18 x 13, Late 20th Century Colors: Black, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Mixed Media, Charcoal, Watercolor, Paper

Untitled: Solo Seated Nude Twist
Located in New York, NY
Unknown/Unidentified Artist, "Untitled: Solo Seated Nude Twist", Signed Figurative/ Nude Watercolor Painting on Paper, 18 x 14, Late 20th Century Colors: Black, Brown, Orange, Yellow, Turquoise, Green, Purple, Red *Unidentified/ Unknown Artist signature...
Category

Late 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Paper

Untitled: Front Nude Watercolor
Located in New York, NY
Unidentified/ Unknown Artist," Untitled: Front Nude Watercolor", Figurative Nude Academic Watercolor Painting on Paper, 18 x 13, Late 20th Century Colors: Black and White A 18 x 13...
Category

Late 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled: Solo Seated Nude
Located in New York, NY
Unknown/Unidentified Artist, "Untitled: Solo Seated Nude", Signed Figurative/ Nude Watercolor, Charcoal (Mixed Media) Painting on Paper, 17 x 14, Late 20th Century Colors: Black, Brown, Orange, Yellow, Turquoise, Green, Purple *Unidentified/ Unknown Artist signature...
Category

Late 20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media, Charcoal, Watercolor

Untitled: Standing Nude
Located in New York, NY
Unknown/ Unidentified Artist, "Standing Nude", Figurative/ Nude Charcoal Drawing on Brown Charcoal Paper, 24 x 20, Late 20th Century, 1968 Colors: White, Blue, Black, Red, Black "S...
Category

1960s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal

"Kathy - Figure Study, " Pastel on Mauve Paper by Janice-Korinek Niedzialkowski
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Kathy - Figure Study" is an original pastel drawing on mauve paper by Janice-Korinek Niedzialkowski. The artist signed the piece center left. It features a nude woman seated on a cl...
Category

1990s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel

Untitled: Rearview Of a Seated Nude
Located in New York, NY
Henry Varnum Poor (American, 1887-1970), "Untitled: Rearview Of A Seated Nude", Figurative Signed Pen and Ink Drawing, 16 x 10.38, Mid 20th Century Colors: Black and White Henry V...
Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pen, Ink

Study of a Seated Woman and Two Smaller Studies of the Same
By Henirich Schwemminger
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Study of a Seated Woman and Two Smaller Studies of the Same Unsigned Annotated: "Roma" (Rome) Black chalk heightened with white chalk on buff wove paper Sheet size: 11 x 8 1/2 inches Frame size: 17 5/8 x 13 5/8 inches Condition: Good. Slight staining and discoloration verso. Surface soiling and staining. A few scattered foxmarks. The bottom left corner reattached and backed. Splits at the top corner - backed. A small split at top right corner. A small loss and a hole at top left edge. Framed with conservation glass. Provenance: Spencer A. Samuels & Co., NY Michael Miller...
Category

19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Chalk

'Nymph with a Centaur', French School, Academic, Greek Mythological Grisaille
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
An exceptionally fine, brush and wash, mythological figural study showing a centaur interrupting the playing of his pan pipes to cast a speculative eye towards a dancing nymph. Datin...
Category

Early 1900s Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Illustration Board

Disegno accademico. Un grande bozzetto - studio di figura femminile. XIX secolo.
Located in Firenze, IT
Un grande bozzetto- studio di figura femminile. XIX secolo. La giovane donna è rappresentata nuda , con con la mano che sembra richiamare l'attenzione. La figura inserita in una nicc...
Category

19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil, Paper

Academic study of hands and child's feet. 19th century.
Located in Firenze, IT
Academic study of a child's hands and feet. Nineteenth century. Drawing on slightly bluish gray paper. Anatomical studies are preparations for a painting or fresco with children or a...
Category

19th Century Academic Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pencil, Charcoal

Academic nude drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Academic nude drawings and watercolors available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Ben Fenske, John Fenton, William Edward Frost, and Christopher Ganz. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Charcoal and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Academic nude drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 4 inches across are also available. Prices for nude drawings and watercolors made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $11 and tops out at $288,500, while the average work sells for $504.

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