Studies of a Male Nude
  • Henri Lehmann
  • Kiel 1814 - 1882 Paris
  • Studies of a Male Nude, 1866
  • Black and red chalk, on paper,
  • dated twice, on the middle right: 22 oct 66,
    and on the upper right: 7 fev 67,
    signature stamp below (Lugt suppl. 1664g)
  • 277 × 421 mm
Literature:
Marie-Madeleine Abrun:
Henri Lehmann (1814-1882),
Catalogue raisonné de l’Oeuvre,
Nantes 1884,
no. D.-1005, vol. II, p. 236, ill. vol. 1, p. 228
Exhibition:
Galerie de Bayser: Henri Lehmann. 1814-1882, Dessins
Paris 1983, cat. no. 83, ill. p. 22

This characteristic study by Lehmann belongs to a group of preparatory drawings for the representation of Retribution (La Vindicte publique poursuivant le Crime) as a punitive angel driving away the hooded figure of Crime. The latter figure was worked out on this sheet, with stolen goods and a murderer’s dagger in his hand.

The depiction was part of the decorations made for the Palais de la Justice in Paris from 1866 to 1867. Unfortunately, the entire work was destroyed as early as 1871, so that, along with the preparatory drawings, only a few engravings after the finished portions of fresco provide documentation of the project (Fig.1).