A Roman Pedestal (The Roman Album) 1775 - 1780

Editor: This is Jacques-Louis David's "A Roman Pedestal," and it's striking in its simplicity. The monochromatic sketch feels so immediate. What catches your eye when you look at it? Curator: Oh, it whispers stories of ancient grandeur! I imagine David, charcoal in hand, captivated by the sculptural details. The ram's head ornamentation, for instance, seems almost defiant, guarding secrets of empires past. Don't you think? Editor: Definitely! It’s amazing how much personality comes through in a sketch. Curator: Precisely! It's a reminder that even preliminary sketches can be portals, inviting us to dream about history and art.