The Departure of Marcus Attilius Regulus for Carthage

The Departure of Marcus Attilius Regulus for Carthage by Jacques-Louis David French, 1748-1825, is a compelling preparatory study created between 1775 and 1786. This drawing is a prime example of the high moral seriousness and classical themes that defined the burgeoning Neoclassical movement in France. The work depicts the solemn moment when the Roman consul Regulus, having been released on parole by the Carthaginians to negotiate a peace treaty, honors his oath and departs Rome to return to unavoidable torture and death in enemy hands. The theme of patriotic self-sacrifice and unwavering commitment to civic duty was central to David’s revolutionary-era audience.

Classified specifically as a drawing, the piece showcases the artist’s mastery of complex mixed media. David utilized pen and black ink alongside a meticulous application of brush and black ink wash, highlighted by opaque white watercolor. Furthermore, the incorporation of black chalk and delicate touches of brown watercolor on blue laid paper creates a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, anticipating the intensity of his large-scale paintings.

The extensive period over which the work was created (1775-1786) suggests David’s deep commitment to perfecting the composition and narrative clarity of the subject matter. The visual rigor found in the study, The Departure of Marcus Attilius Regulus for Carthage, illustrates the sophisticated drafting techniques the artist employed to move from initial concept to finalized heroic narrative. This significant piece of preparatory work resides in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Today, the foundational studies of the 1748-1825 artist are often reproduced as fine art prints, allowing for broader appreciation of the drawing tradition within Neoclassicism.