The Passion of Collecting Academic Nudes

Join me as we explore my collection of Academic Nudes from the 18th, 19th, and Early 20th Centuries and serendipitous finds in the Museum, Art Auction, and Gallery world......examples from the Golden Age of the European Academie


Monday, September 4, 2023

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. _____________