Standing Male Nude, Signed H. Desprez (?), Mid 19th Century (circa 1854-55) Pen and Ink Drawing from the Ecole Polytechnique, Paris.

 I spotted this single page pen and ink drawing from student days at the Ecole Polytechnique on eBay France last week and wondered why someone did not snap it up as it sat there for almost a week. The asking price was ridiculously low and being somewhat stretched this month I went ahead and bought it. The drawing has obviously been removed from a larger volume but the identity of the artist remains a mystery. The other drawings included in the listing, which obviously came from the same bound volume ,consisted of landscapes, farm animals, and a few color works of military subjects. Still, it is a nicely executed pen and ink drawing of a standing male nude. École Polytechnique is one of the most prestigious and selective grandes écoles in France. It is a French public institution of higher education and research in Palaiseau, a suburb south of Paris. The school is a constituent member of the Polytechnic Institute of Paris. Enjoy.

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Here is a sampling of the additional drawings by the same artist during the 1854-55 time period:

FRENCH SCHOOL 19th Century CHARCOAL DRAWING HUNTING STUDY - MALE NUDE

I happened upon this 19th century drawing in a long ago completed online auction. It is somewhat unusual in the display of a make believe firearm as a prop. Unfortunately there is no attribution as to the artist. Unique indeed. Enjoy. 

Portrait Nu Masculin Jeune homme ... Academic Painting of a Nude Male Youth

  I was floundering around on my usual European Auction sites when I happened upon this beautiful study of a male youth and an accompanying portrait. Both appear to be unsigned but are works worthy of inclusion here. The asking price was outside affordability for me but at least I can share them with you. Enjoy:

September 15, 2021.....Well, I went back and revisited the listing and low and behold the seller had reduced the price on the painting considerably. Needless to say I executed the buy and this work is now headed into my collection.

Figurative Bronzes and Sculptures at Auction .......... June 2021

 

There have been a number of beautiful bronzes up for auction this month (At some very expensive asking prices). I thought I would share some of the more notable examples with you:

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