The Cardinal Pacca

The Cardinal Pacca is an intimate, powerful portrait created by the foundational Neoclassical artist Jacques Louis David, likely executed in the latter part of his career, circa 1810-1825. This specialized drawing utilizes black chalk, a medium that highlights David's masterful draftsmanship and his ability to define character through economical lines and expert management of tonal values. Unlike the grand scale of his finished oil paintings, this work showcases the artist’s focused technical study, leveraging the chalk medium to achieve both rapid definition and atmospheric depth.

The work is a commanding portrait study of an influential man, believed to be Cardinal Bartolomeo Pacca (1756-1844). Pacca was a significant figure in the Papacy, known for his resistance to Napoleon, which led to his imprisonment. This connection places the drawing directly within the complex political and religious upheaval of the early nineteenth century, an era David understood intimately. As a study of the subject, the piece emphasizes the gravity and authority of the sitter. The use of black chalk allows for high contrast and detailed renderings of the facial features, conveying the intense psychological presence typical of David’s finest portraits.

This drawing is classified as a significant example of Neoclassical portraiture and resides within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. David’s preparatory studies are highly valued for the insight they offer into his working method. While the original remains preserved in the museum, the piece’s artistic importance and age ensure that high-quality prints and references to the work are frequently available through public domain art collections globally, allowing widespread study of David’s unparalleled technique.