Unknown French Artist - 19th Century Male Nude - Elderly Bearded Man

I was on eBay France this morning when I came upon a very nicely executed academic male nude by an unknown French artist in late 19th century. The asking price is a bit expensive for an unknown work but the beauty of the artist's skills persist. Here is the description (translated from the French) which was included in the listing: ---------------- "This is an oil on canvas that presents a nude academy or nude study, typical of classical 19th century art. In the center of the composition, we find a naked old man sitting on a stool. The painter did a remarkable job capturing the model's complexion with beautiful definition. The details are so fine that they make it appear as if the model is in person in the room. Unfortunately, the artist's signature is at the bottom right, but it has become illegible over time. This work offers a fascinating insight into the artistic mastery of the period and the fascination with human anatomy in 19th century art." --------------- Enjoy!

Friedrich Ballenberger (1865-?) Charcoal Studies, Sitting Nude Boy, Standing Male… Sitzender Nackter Knabe Studie -Männlicher Halbakt

Last week I spotted several charcoal on paper academic studies listed by one of my favorite eBay Sellers. I was taken aback by the detailed execution of both drawings by the German artist Friedrich Ballenberger (1865-?). The artist's ability to execute such a fine drawing of an academic nude subject just took my breath away. The artist had a well trained ability to accurately portray line and light. I programmed a bid and took both of the drawings, however, the seller contacted me several days later and informed me they could not send the drawing of the male nude because it was simply too large to mail. UGH! Such is the way of the Force unfortunately, so the one drawing of the nude boy will make it's way into my collection. __________ I managed to find some minimal biographic information on the artist________ Friedrich Ballenberger (1865-?) was a student at the Munich Academy during the later part of the 19th century. He specialized in portraits and landscapes, many of which were executed during his trips around Italy. _________Here is the one drawing that is coming into my collection:

__________ And here is the beautiful drawing that will be staying in Germany: ___________________

19th Century Oils On Canvas Study of a Male Nude

A seller in the UK has listed an exceptionally fine oils on canvas academic study of a standing male nude. Unfortunately the painting is not signed but the attention to fine detail is superb. The asking price is way out of my budget but I thought you would enjoy seeing a very fine example of 19th century academy training. Enjoy. _____________