Standing Female Nude
Drawing on paper • August Biehle (August F. Biehle Jr., American, 1885-1979)
Style & Movement
American Modernism / Cleveland School. The work exhibits a blend of German Expressionist training with American Regionalist figure study.
Medium & Technique
Crayon or charcoal on toned brown paper; academic life drawing technique utilizing contour lines and heavy cross-hatching for anatomical shading.
Creation Period
1932 (explicitly dated bottom right)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 12 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
A full-length study of a standing female nude in a contrapposto-like pose. One arm is raised slightly while the other rests on her hip. The composition focuses on muscular structure and volume, common in studio life drawing.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair. The paper shows age-related toning and small losses.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800
Auction Estimate
$300 - $500
Provenance History
Likely originated from the artist's estate or a student collection in the Cleveland, Ohio area; artist signature and date appear authentic to his known hand.
Art Historical Significance
August Biehle was a central figure in the 'Cleveland School.' This drawing represents the rigorous academic foundation that underpinned the modernist transition in the American Midwest during the interwar period.
Notable Features
Signed 'AUGUST BIEHLE' and dated '1932' in the lower right. There is also a numerical notation '20' in the top left corner, likely a folio or inventory number.
Condition Issues
Visible small tear/loss at the bottom left corner; minor edge wear and surface smudging typical of charcoal works; potential acidity from the brown craft-style paper.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend mounting with acid-free reversible hinges and framing under UV-protective glass. Avoid trimming the edges to preserve the original sheet size and inscriptions.