Figuurstudies c. 1850 - 1950

These figure studies were drawn by Monogrammist DS, born in 1873. Sketchbooks like this offer a glimpse into the artistic process and the institutional practices that shaped it. In late 19th century Europe, academic art training emphasized rigorous study of the human form. Aspiring artists spent countless hours copying classical sculptures and drawing live models, honing their skills in anatomy, proportion, and shading. These sketches were not intended for public display but rather served as exercises, preparatory studies for larger compositions, or simply as a way for artists to explore their ideas. The prevalence of these kinds of sketches also points to the growing professionalization of art. Artists were now trained in specialized academies. Understanding the norms of the academy is vital to understanding this drawing. By examining this sketch, alongside the artist's other works and archival materials from art academies, we can gain insight into the social conditions that shaped artistic production during this time.