1629 - Ackermann, Max. Two drawings depicting standing nude youths. Red chalk on sturdy vellum. The larger sheet, featuring the flute player, is partially signed "M. Ack" in the lower right corner; the other sheet is dated in the lower right corner and inscribed "Two Boys" below. 1910. Sheet dimensions: 53.5 x 20 cm and 36.8 x 13.2 cm.

Ackermann, Max. Two drawings depicting standing nude youths. Red chalk on sturdy vellum. The larger sheet, featuring the flute player, is partially signed "M. Ack" in the lower right corner; the other sheet is dated in the lower right corner and inscribed "Two Boys" below. 1910. Sheet dimensions: 53.5 x 20 cm and 36.8 x 13.2 cm. The two study sheets likely date from Max Ackermann’s (1887–1975) later Munich period, when he was studying under Franz von Stuck at the Academy of Fine Arts. Disappointed by his teacher’s pedagogical abilities and von Stuck’s advocacy of “psychological symbolism,” Ackermann ended his studies in Munich at the close of the winter semester and initially fell into “bitter despair” regarding his future artistic path as a painter, draftsman, or sculptor. - The larger sheet depicting the flute player has a long tear along the lower edge and pinholes along the upper edge; both are somewhat browned, stained, and smudged. - Also included: Three smaller nude studies, likely from Ackermann’s early Stuttgart period, circa 1912/13. Graphite on brown or gray paper. 13.3 x 20 cm to 28.5 x 11.5 cm. - Provenance: From the estate of the Ackermann family.