Bust of a Man, Head Turned to Right

The powerful drawing Bust of a Man, Head Turned to Right by Jacques-Louis David (French, 1748-1825) exemplifies the precision characteristic of late Neoclassicism. Executed during the decade between 1805 and 1815, this study utilizes black chalk, enhanced with focused touches of black crayon, applied meticulously to off-white laid paper. The composition is mounted on cream wove paper, preserving the delicate nature of the original medium. This work highlights David’s dedication to capturing idealized human form and contour, suggesting it was likely a preparatory sketch for a larger historical canvas or a detailed academic study of expression.

David was the preeminent artist in France during the revolutionary and Napoleonic eras, and his powerful drawings served as the critical foundation for his monumental historical paintings. This particular piece, dating to the height of the Empire period, shows a robust male profile, captured with dynamic, decisive lines. David skillfully employs the chalk media to establish deep shadows and volumetric form, defining the strong jawline and musculature of the neck as the man turns sharply. The intense contrast achieved through the dark materials against the light paper stock gives the piece significant visual presence. This important example of French draftsmanship, crucial to understanding the working process of the Neoclassical master, resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a key work from this influential period, high-resolution prints are often available through repositories dedicated to the public domain.