Copperplate Engravings - Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert - Artist's Drawing Series - 18th Century Prints

One of my favorite print sellers on eBay USA has apparently found a copy of Diderot and d'Alembert's Encyclopedie ou Dictionnaire Raisonne des Sciences, des Arts et Metiers, dismantled it into separate sheets and is listing them separately for sale. I was especially interested in the section dedicated to the series used in the training of 18th century Artists. I have a few of the prints in my collection. You might want to take a look at the illustrations of the 18th century studio for models and the materials used for drawing.
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Jules Elie Delaunay (1828-1891)(Attrib.): Nude Ephebe Kneeling in Prayer - 1860

Several weeks ago I made a French seller a discounted offer on the below preparatory drawing attributed to Jules Elie Delaunay (1828-1891) and it arrived this week. Delaunay studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris under the great master Hyppolyte Flandrin and later at the prestigious Academie de France in Rome. Delaunay's paintings are great examples of the Neoclassical style recognized by the French Academy in the nineteenth century. His numerous themes of ancient mythological heroes, muscular male physiques, and historical battle scenes, were all within the guidelines of the French Academie. He later amended the strict rules of Neoclassicism by adding voluptuous lines and a refined feel and harmonious personal touch. Neoclassical art was characterized by its classical forms and structure, clarity, and to a certain degree, its realism. French Neoclassicism emphasised patriotism, as well as a sense of civility and honorableness. The movement was particularly connected with the beliefs of the French Revolution and was seen as anti-aristocratic in nature.
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Additional examples of his work:

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Unknown 19th Century French Artist: Young Military Cadet - 1850

A Seller on eBay France posted this nice mid-19th century drawing of a young military cadet. It is signed but the signature is illegible. It is a very nice line drawing, showing great control of that pencil point by a mid-19th century artist.
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Hans August Zierngible (1864-1906): Portrait of a Gypsy - 1884

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This beautiful drawing popped up on eBay Austria this morning. I know it is a bit off topic but it really is a brilliant example of a skilled artist's ability to make detailed observation, all courtsey of some fine 19th century Academy training. Take out your gray scales folks and see how many shades of gray you can see in this beautiful drawing. Hans August Zierngible (1864-1906) trained at the Munich Academy during the late 19th century.
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Here is a sampling of his other portrait works:

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