Heads of a faun and a reclining woman (Les têtes d'une jeune femme et d'un faune)

The powerful drawing, Heads of a faun and a reclining woman (Les têtes d'une jeune femme et d'un faune), was executed by Jacques Louis David between 1792 and 1796. This period, coinciding with the volatile height of the French Revolution and its aftermath, saw David transition from grand historical painting to more intimate, yet rigorously detailed, studies. The work is classified as a drawing, rendered using pen and dark brown iron gall ink, showcasing David’s characteristic precision and mastery of line work despite the turbulent political circumstances surrounding its creation.

The composition is dominated by two distinct heads presented in stark contrast. On the left, a faun, a figure borrowed from classical mythology, is depicted with expressive, sharply delineated features that convey a sense of primal energy. This depiction contrasts sharply with the soft, elegant profile of the reclining woman adjacent to him. This juxtaposition reflects David’s deep engagement with classical forms and the academic study of expression, often undertaken as preparatory exercises for larger compositions.

Created during a crucial phase of David’s career, possibly during the time of his confinement following the fall of Robespierre, this study reveals the breadth of his artistic concerns beyond official state commissions. The focus on these individualized heads suggests it functioned as a tête d'expression, an academic exercise exploring emotion and form. This significant piece of preparatory work is proudly held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. High-quality prints of Heads of a faun and a reclining woman are widely accessible today, often available through public domain initiatives, allowing broader appreciation for David's consummate skill in the drawing medium.