Faustine

The drawing Faustine by Jacques-Louis David, executed between 1775 and 1780, captures the developing aesthetic of an artist on the cusp of defining the Neoclassical movement. Classified as a Drawing, the work exemplifies the mastery David achieved during his formative years in the late 18th century. The technique employed is notably sophisticated for a study: red chalk and gray wash are combined with subtle touches of black chalk over faint traces of graphite, all applied to beige laid paper. This careful layering achieves a sense of volume and texture that transcends a mere preliminary sketch.

The choice of red chalk, often favored by French artists of the era, lends a certain warmth and intimacy to the subject, while the gray wash provides structural shadow and depth, creating a powerful contrast that models the form precisely. This balance between classical severity and expressive rendering is central to David’s evolving artistic language during the period spanning 1751 to 1775 and immediately afterward. As David transitioned away from Rococo sensibilities toward the rigorous ideals of antiquity, works like this served as vital technical experiments in capturing form and light.

The piece provides important documentation of the preparatory techniques used by David before he began creating his seminal, large-scale canvases. It demonstrates the meticulous attention to line and contour that would later characterize his most famous history paintings. This essential work of draftsmanship is preserved in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, offering scholars and the public crucial insight into the artist’s process. For those seeking close study, high-resolution reproductions and prints of this historically significant drawing are often available under public domain provisions, ensuring broad access to the work of this Neoclassical master.