Man Reaching into a Large Basket

The captivating drawing, Man Reaching into a Large Basket by Jacques-Louis David, dating from approximately 1775-1780, is executed in graphite on greenish laid paper. This medium choice lends a subdued, atmospheric quality to the composition, showcasing David's early handling of form and light, preceding the full establishment of his rigorous Neoclassical style. As a French artist working primarily in Paris during this transformative era, David was actively moving away from the preceding Rococo aesthetics, exploring themes of gravity and structure that would define his later career, placing him firmly within the period classified as 1751 to 1775.

The subject matter focuses tightly on a single male figure engaged in the mundane but focused action suggested by the title. The figure's posture, captured in the delicate yet precise strokes of graphite, reveals David’s foundational interest in anatomical study and dramatic tension, even in seemingly casual poses. While David is often associated with the grand history paintings created after 1780, he continuously produced preparatory and independent figure studies like this piece, essential exercises for honing the strict linear quality characteristic of 18th-century French draughtsmanship. The precise contours and careful modeling demonstrate his mastery over the challenging graphite medium.

This significant drawing currently resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), where it serves as a valuable example of David’s artistic process during a crucial period of development. Its inclusion among the museum's holdings underscores the breadth of David’s output beyond his famous monumental canvases and contributes to the public understanding of his early practice. As an important piece of 18th-century art, high-resolution images are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring that quality prints of this detailed study remain accessible to scholars and enthusiasts worldwide.