Church of Sant' Onofrio, Rome

The architectural drawing Church of Sant' Onofrio, Rome by Jacques-Louis David captures a view of the historic Roman landmark during the artist’s first sojourn in Italy. Executed between 1775 and 1780, this detailed study is a prime example of a French artist refining his skills abroad during the intellectually rigorous period spanning 1751 to 1775. The work utilizes a sophisticated mixed-media technique, featuring gray wash applied skillfully over black chalk on pale blue laid paper. David meticulously manages the composition, notably allowing the wash itself to extend beyond the primary sheet onto the adjacent album page at both the left and right sides, suggesting it was part of a larger, bound collection of studies.

As a student in Rome, David frequently made such preparatory drawings, honing the technical precision that would later define his pivotal role in the Neoclassical movement. This study demonstrates his early dedication to rigorous architectural draftsmanship, a core component of his academic training. The use of gray wash provides strong contrasts and defines the structure’s volume and shadow, moving the piece beyond simple contour representation toward a nuanced understanding of light and form. This approach reflects the growing interest among contemporary French artists in documenting and interpreting classical antiquity and Renaissance structures with disciplined accuracy. While the piece is classified as a drawing, its historical significance means that high-quality prints and related materials are frequently sought in the public domain.

This exceptional example of David’s early draughtsmanship provides critical insight into the formative years of one of history’s most important artists. The work, dating to the late 1770s, is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a vital record of the academic explorations that preceded the artist’s revolutionary career.