A Piazza with an Obelisk

A Piazza with an Obelisk is an important early work by the foundational Neoclassical painter Jacques-Louis David, executed between 1775 and 1780. Classified as a drawing, this piece demonstrates the artist’s skill in preparatory studies and architectural observation, executed using graphite on laid paper. This specific date range aligns with the period of intense academic rigor in French art, specifically spanning the late 1751 to 1775 era when Neoclassicism began to dominate.

The drawing captures the appearance of a monumental civic square, centered around the commanding vertical mass of an ancient obelisk, characteristic of the sights David would have encountered during his tenure in Rome. David had won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1774, and the following years were crucial for his development away from earlier Rococo styles toward the severe linearity and focus on antiquity that defined his career.

David utilizes the subtle, precise nature of graphite on the textural laid paper to meticulously render the shadows and architectural details of the scene. The emphasis is placed upon structure and the interplay of light and volume across classical forms, a clear departure from painterly techniques. David’s strong draftsmanship reflects the academic requirements of the French Royal Academy, where mastery of line was considered the cornerstone of historical painting.

This piece, focused on composition and structural relationships, is a vital record of David's foundational development and his absorption of the principles of Roman antiquity. As a conserved object from the period, the drawing offers crucial insight into the artist’s working process. This masterful French drawing is held within the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. For researchers and enthusiasts worldwide, high-quality digital prints of the work are often made available, ensuring accessibility to this formative period of David’s career.