Jacques-Louis David

Jules David (L.1437) and Eugène David (L.839),
David sale, Paris, 17 April 1826, part of lot 66 (unsold);
David sale, Paris, 1 March 1835, part of lot 16

Window mounted. There is a band of discolouration that runs around the borders of the sheet. There is evidence of other light staining and surface dirt throughout. The sheet appears to have been partly made up in the lower left quarter. The pen and ink medium remains relatively fresh throughout.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This is the original drawing which was previously known only through a tracing in the group referred to as the 'calques of Cahors'  by Rosenberg and Prat.¹  This group appeared in 1949 and are not from David's Roman albums, but  they do reproduce drawings from the Roman albums.  For a discussion of the group, see Rosenberg and Prat.²

The sculpture depicted here was in the Farnese collection, which David studied in Rome before it was removed to Naples.

1. P. Rosenberg & L.-A. Prat, Jacques-Louis David, Catalogue raisonné des dessins, Milan 2002, vol. 2, p. 837, no. C74
2. Ibid., vol. 2, pp. 831-833