Bust of an Older Man

Bust of an Older Man by Jacques-Louis David French, 1748-1825 is a commanding example of the artist's late-career draftsmanship, executed between 1805 and 1815. Classified as a drawing, the work utilizes black crayon applied directly to off-white laid paper, subsequently edge mounted onto cream wove paper. This technical approach emphasizes the linear rigor and direct observation essential to David’s Neoclassical practice.

The bust portrait captures the subject with a reserved intensity, focusing on the texture of the skin and the weight of the man’s expression. During this period, 1748-1825 was the premier painter in France, navigating the shift from revolutionary fervor to the formality of Napoleon’s empire. Although primarily known for his grand historical canvases, David’s drawings served as both intimate portraits and essential preparatory studies, reflecting his academic commitment to anatomy and form. The stark black crayon effectively sculpts the face, defining the planes of the head and the serious demeanor of the sitter with economical but profound strokes.

This study documents a critical moment in the history of France, reflecting the dignity and gravity often afforded to subjects by the Neoclassical master. The depth of character achieved in this medium secures the importance of David’s drawing output alongside his major oil paintings. The work is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it contributes to the understanding of French artistic practice during the first Empire. Such significant works, once digitized, are often placed in the public domain, making high-quality prints accessible for educational and scholarly reference.