Woman from a Procession, from the Palazzo Mattei

Woman from a Procession, from the Palazzo Mattei by Jacques-Louis David, executed between 1775 and 1780, exemplifies the foundational research the artist undertook during his formative years in Rome. This precise drawing, classified as a study, utilizes pen and dark brown ink with gray wash applied skillfully over a preliminary graphite sketch on beige laid paper. David, the pivotal figure in the development of Neoclassicism, spent significant time in Italy studying classical sculpture and reliefs, often copying figures from ancient sources or Renaissance interpretations of antiquity, reflecting the dominant cultural trend in France during the 1751 to 1775 period.

The figure depicted is likely derived from a Roman relief or perhaps a figure incorporated into the decorations of the Palazzo Mattei, a source David frequently referenced for his historical compositions. The careful application of the gray wash over the graphite underdrawing provides volume and depth, showcasing David’s mastery in preparatory studies. The woman is rendered with a stately posture and idealized drapery, illustrating the artist’s commitment to academic principles and the clarity found in classical sculpture. This rigorous method allowed David to refine compositions that would define his mature style and cemented his reputation within the French artistic hierarchy.

While the drawing may have served as a study for a specific, yet unidentified, painted composition, it functions as an autonomous document of David’s early Neoclassical vocabulary. This important piece resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Drawings from this critical period are widely referenced by scholars exploring the transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism. High-quality reproductions and prints of David’s extensive body of work, including studies like this one, are often available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to the foundational elements of 18th-century European art.