Double-Handled Vase

The Double-Handled Vase is a precise drawing by the influential French Neoclassical master, Jacques-Louis David. Created between 1775 and 1780, this piece utilizes the specialized technique of transfer tracing on oiled laid paper. This methodology suggests the work was likely a study used to replicate or transfer a detailed compositional element onto a final surface, or perhaps served as a preparatory design for a decorative motif or background element within a larger historical painting or sculptural relief.

David’s meticulous rendering of the vase reflects the burgeoning Neoclassical aesthetic that dominated the visual arts in the late 18th century. As a key figure of the French school, David often relied on accurate depictions of Greco-Roman artifacts and architecture to imbue his compositions with historical gravitas and moral clarity. Though simple in subject matter, this drawing exemplifies the high degree of precision David demanded in all his preparatory studies. The creation period falls within the influential years of 1751 to 1775, a critical phase when the archaeological discoveries at Herculaneum and Pompeii began reshaping European artistic taste, moving away from Rococo frivolity toward severe classical geometry.

The precision of the outline indicates that this drawing was intended purely for utilitarian purposes, enabling quick and accurate reproduction in the studio. This delicate work is highly valued for providing insight into David’s artistic practice and his deep engagement with classical antiquity. The drawing is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., where it serves as a valuable reference point for scholars examining David’s extensive corpus of studies. Due to its historical significance and the fragility of the medium, high-quality digital prints of this French drawing are often made available through public domain resources, allowing broader access to the master's preparatory methods.