The 10th of August, 1792 c. 1795 - 1799

François Gérard made this ink and wash drawing, titled 'The 10th of August, 1792,' sometime around the turn of the 19th century. This isn't a finished painting, but rather a study, likely for a history painting. The technique is critical to understanding the image. The artist has used ink to establish a linear grid, overlaid with sepia washes to create depth and shadow. This allowed the artist to efficiently block out figures and the architectural setting, while maintaining precise control over the composition. The unfinished quality of the work gives it a sense of immediacy, mirroring the revolutionary fervor it depicts. It reveals the labor and process behind the final artwork. The drawing's material and technique speak to a time of radical social change, and allows us to appreciate the artist's craft, and to see beyond conventional notions of fine art.