Dated 1753 German Academic Nude Male Figure Drawing. Signed C.D. Henning. Pencil Study in Gilt Frame

An exceptional German academic figure drawing dated 1753, signed C.D. Henning and executed with remarkable anatomical precision. This refined 18th-century drawing is further distinguished by a Latin inscription, indicating formal academic training at a serious artistic institution.

This powerful academic drawing depicts a seated male nude, rendered with outstanding structural clarity and anatomical understanding. The figure is carefully observed from life, with particular attention paid to musculature, weight distribution, and foreshortening, hallmarks of high-level academic instruction in the mid-18th century. The quality of draftsmanship is immediately apparent. The tension in the limbs, the natural turn of the torso, and the relaxed yet deliberate pose all reflect rigorous academic training.

Of particular importance is the inscription beneath the drawing, which reads:
“C.D. Henning del. fec.
Ex 14 Julii Ao 1753”

The use of Latin — del. (delineavit, “he drew”) and fec. (fecit, “he made”) — strongly suggests that Henning was trained within an renowned academic or institutional context, likely a court-sponsored school. Latin inscriptions of this type were standard practice among academically trained artists coming from the schools of the German 18th Century Court.

The date 1753 places the drawing firmly within the Enlightenment period, when German academies placed enormous emphasis on life drawing as the foundation of artistic excellence. Works of this calibre were often produced as academy exercises, presentation sheets, or master studies.

Good antique condition with age-appropriate toning to the paper. Drawing remains crisp and legible. Minor wear to edges consistent with age. Frame shows patina and gentle wear in keeping with its period. The drawing is presented in a Circa 1800 gilt frame, whose understated elegance complements the seriousness and historical weight of the work. The drawing has recently been to the framer for a new setting, clarity glass and backing. Ready to hang for another 100 years.

German School
Pencil on paper
Dated 1753
Signed C.D. Henning
Latin academic inscription
Original gilt frame

Sizing incl Frame:
Height: 27.17 inch (69cm)
Width: 22.64 inch (57.5cm)

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