Two antique French academic charcoal life drawings of nude male figures

A pair of large decorative antique academic charcoal drawings of male figures.  Skilfully drawn with precision detail showing musculature prowess and archetypal stylised postures, offset by careful shading which brings a heightened sense of drama to the compositions.  Each one captures the strong and individual character of the different sitter - charismatic gentlemen in fashionable swimming trunks, with quaffed hair and distinctive period moustaches.  

History ~
Signed J. Guérin, and dated 21 February 1891, 27 April 1891.  Awarded 9 out of 10 and 10 out of 10, with a stamp of attainment. These drawings were made as an academic study, possibly an examination, by a French student.

In the late 19th century anatomical drawings such as these were a central part of training in a formal atelier setting in Paris or a regional art academy.  Students spent years mastering the human figure, beginning with plaster casts of ancient sculptures before progressing to live nude models. They were designed to showcase the discipline and rigor of traditional artistic training and were regarded as the foundation of all fine art practice (although the emerging avant-garde Impressionism Movement challenged this assumption).

Condition ~
Under glass, in Victorian frames with gilt slips, which have been overpainted. Each drawing is on deckle paper and there are minor marks to the paper, which has been laid onto plain paper.