Two Studies of the Head of a Young Man Crowned with a Laurel Wreath

The masterful drawing, Two Studies of the Head of a Young Man Crowned with a Laurel Wreath, was created by Jacques-Louis David between 1775 and 1780. Executed with exceptional precision using black chalk on laid paper, this work exemplifies the rigorous academic approach David embraced following his studies in Rome. The choice of medium allows the artist to achieve stark contrasts and subtle modeling, emphasizing the volume and structure of the idealized young man's head.

The subject matter, depicted in two separate, highly rendered positions, features a youth crowned with a laurel wreath. This motif is a clear indicator of the pervasive influence of classical antiquity and the emerging Neoclassical movement that David would soon dominate. The repeated study of the same subject demonstrates the artist’s focus on perfecting physiognomy and achieving an idealized classical form, which were prerequisites for the grand history paintings of the era.

This work falls squarely within the critical transition period of French art leading up to and encompassing the years 1751 to 1775, during which aesthetic focus shifted away from the decorative Rococo toward moral clarity and ancient heroism. David’s commitment to draftsmanship is evident in the dynamic contours and carefully modulated shadows that give life to the studies.

Two Studies of the Head of a Young Man Crowned with a Laurel Wreath remains a significant example of French 18th-century draftsmanship. This drawing is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a testament to David’s formative years. Due to its importance as a key historical artifact, high-quality prints of this artwork are frequently accessed, benefiting from institutions that place public domain works online to ensure broad availability and continuing study.