Late 19th - Early 20th Century Academic Nudes From The Ecole Nationale Des Arts Decoratifs

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European eBay Auction sites have recently come alive with some new offerings. I have culled out the nicest and listed them for you.(below) Many come from the Ecole Nationale Des Arts Decoratifs (National School of Decorative Arts), Paris, at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. Enjoy. 

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Melina Eudoxie Daviau (1874-1961) (All of the above drawings) (All circa 1900-1907)

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Alphonse Osbert (1857-1939)

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Auguste Joseph Delecluse (1855-1928)

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Male Nude (1901) National School of Decorative Arts

Unknown Artist - Male Nude - French School 1905

Christian Tuncia (1798-1868): Still Life Pencil Study - Early 19th Century

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Obviously not a nude, but still worthy of praise and exhibition. I found this beautiful pencil on paper academic study (below) listed by an old friend on eBay Germany which dates from the early to mid 19th century. It is a beautiful example of draftsman, artistic observation, and down right tight control of that ornery gray scale that eludes most modern art students. I would love to see an academic nude by Tuncia. I will bet you a pretty that it would be a beaut. I did find two examples of his painting expertise (directly above).

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Victor Favier (1824-?): Sitting Male Nude

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(Insert sounds of me kicking myself in the rear-end here) This has to be a classic case of:   "If you snooze, you lose."   A seller on eBay France recently listed this nice academic nude by the French artist Victor Favier (1824-?). I bookmarked it and then forgot about it, not bothering to follow through with a sniping bid. Well guess what? It sold for a measly 45 euros. After doing some research I discovered that his other academic works have sold for four and five times that amount. Oh well, it isn't the first time I have missed a bargain and probably won't be the last.

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Here is a sampling of his other academic works from past auctions:

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Unsigned Early 19th Century Drawing: Nude Youth With Staff

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A seller on eBay France has recently posted this nice early 19th century Academic drawing of a nude youth. The drawing is unsigned and undated but is typical of the early to mid-19th century Academy. The asking price is bordering on insanity but what the hey, it's only money.

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Unsigned 19th Century Watercolor Portrait of a Boy

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I think of all the media used for Academic Nude studies, watercolor has to be the rarest. You just do not see nude watercolors come up for sale every day of the week. This sweet little portrait popped up on a European Auction site today but unfortunately the artist did not bother to sign nor date it. Of all the media in art, I think watercolor requires the most talent and physical control of the media. Watercolor just does not reward sloppiness. It will very quickly become apparent as to whether, as in the case of farming, you are a success or failure. I am sure because of age the colors in this little portrait have faded over time but the composition and execution is still admirable.

Addendum: 07-18 .. Although I placed several bids on the Berlin sellers auctions (posting below this one) I only managed to buy this little portrait. He will be heading into my collection shortly.

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