An Antique Sculpture of a Horse

An Antique Sculpture of a Horse by Jacques-Louis David, created in 1780, is a highly finished preparatory study executed in graphite on laid paper. This meticulously rendered piece, firmly rooted in the French artistic tradition of the late 18th century, demonstrates David's technical command of drafting. The drawing dates specifically to the critical period between 1776 to 1800, a transformative era when David was developing the rigorous Neoclassical style that would define his career.

The drawing captures the detailed form of an equine sculpture, likely derived from an established classical prototype or a contemporary interpretation of Roman statuary. The study of antiquity was fundamental to academic practice, and David’s focus here is on achieving anatomical correctness and volume through subtle shading. The use of graphite on laid paper allows for sharp definition and careful hatching to capture the texture and monumental quality of the subject, reinforcing the drawing’s role as an exercise in ideal form. This disciplined approach to the humanistic study of ancient models was central to David’s pedagogical method, prioritizing line, or disegno, over color in artistic training.

As a leading figure in French art history, David's drawings are highly valued resources for understanding the aesthetic evolution of Neoclassicism. This work is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., where it serves as a foundational example of the artist’s celebrated draughtsmanship. Because the work is generally considered to be in the public domain, high-quality prints and reproductions of An Antique Sculpture of a Horse are widely accessible for scholarly research and general appreciation, ensuring the continued study of this influential work by the French master centuries after its creation.