Academic studies of nudes devote themselves to one of the noblest subjects in art: the human body at rest and in movement. Using extensive material from Rome, Paris and the German-speaking regions, the author separates this basic and standard art practice of the early modern times into five accessible work groups.
This research study focuses on central topics of theory on the academic studies of nudes, including: training of the artist; the theory of the imitation of art and nature; experimental practice in the life drawing room; the transformation of academic examples; the graphic illusion of liveliness; the contemporary ideal human image; the simulation of movement in the pose, as well as the significance of the poses for the art practices of the times.