Set of two lithographic prints comprising:
lithographic print of drawing by Michelangelo entitled Man Nude, with Proportions indicated, originally drawn c.1515-20
Acquired by George III, King of the United Kingdom (1738-1820), by c.1810.Two tones of red chalk. With only two exceptions, the drawings by Michelangelo in the Royal Library were first recorded in the collection of George III. This is one of Michelangelo's most majestic studies of a nude, possibly intended for teaching purposes having the proportions of various parts of the body indicated. Throughout his life the artist was drawn to the investigation of musculature and form, as reflected in this drawing. Of his few pupils, Sebastiano del Piombo (c.1485-1547) was probably the most adept and it was possibly drawn for Sebastiano as a teaching aid.
Print size inches: 6.2 x 9.8 together with lithographic print of drawing by Michelangelo entitled The Virgin and Child, originally drawn c.1545
First recorded in The Royal Collection c.1810.Black chalk, over a preliminary sketch in red chalk. The ground was later covered with gilding, most of which was later washed off resulting in a distortion of the drawing.

Print size inches: 7.9 x 8.9