Head of an Old Man in Profile is an insightful academic study by the defining master of French Neoclassicism, Jacques-Louis David French, 1748-1825. Executed sometime within the broad period of 1781 to 1820, this drawing demonstrates David’s rigorous approach to figure observation and naturalistic detail. The artist employed black chalk on bluish-white laid paper, utilizing the cool color of the support to contrast with the deep, velvety tones of the chalk. The fragility of the paper was later addressed by laying the sheet down on a tan wove card for increased stability.
As the leading figure of the Neoclassical movement in France, David routinely created meticulous figure studies, which often served as preparatory works for his massive historical canvases, or as examples for students within his highly influential teaching studio. This particular drawing, focused intensely on the profile of an aged subject, is rendered with precise contours and subtle, deliberate shading. David used the contrast created by the black chalk to define the subject’s musculature, the texture of the skin, and the distinct outline of the profile, showcasing the sculptural quality he brought even to preliminary drawings. The work exemplifies the exacting standard of draughtsmanship valued during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emphasizing idealized form and clear line work typical of the French academic tradition.
Although the exact context for this profile study remains an open area of discussion within David’s extensive oeuvre, this piece provides valuable evidence of his methodical working process and his enduring preference for high-contrast, detailed rendering. The drawing is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it is a significant contribution to the museum’s holdings of French drawings. As a historical piece from this critical period, high-resolution images and prints of the artwork are frequently made available through public domain resources, ensuring its continued accessibility for scholars worldwide.
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