Academy study_ Seated nude with a sword 1722

Bernard Picart's "Academy study_ Seated nude with a sword" from 1722 is a detailed red chalk drawing depicting a seated male nude. The figure rests his left arm on a stone block, holding a sword, while his right arm rests on his thigh. The artist's signature, "B. Picart 1722," is prominently placed in the lower left corner. The drawing is a prime example of the "Academy study" genre popular in the 18th century, often serving as preparatory sketches for larger paintings. These studies emphasize the accurate rendering of the human form, emphasizing anatomy and proportion. The Städel Museum houses this drawing, a testament to Picart's mastery of anatomy and figure composition.