Grasp All, Lose All (Qui trop embrasse, mal etrient) c. 1816

Pierre-Narcisse Guerin created this drawing, "Grasp All, Lose All", using graphite, pen and gray ink, and gray wash on laid paper. The image presents a nude male figure struggling under the weight of numerous objects, while a winged cherub tugs at his ear. Made in France, this drawing can be understood through the social and institutional history of art education at the time. Guerin was a prominent teacher, and his academic approach emphasized classical ideals and moralizing themes. The drawing reflects the prevailing attitudes towards ambition and the pursuit of knowledge. The figure's burden symbolizes the risk of spreading oneself too thinly, losing focus, and ultimately achieving nothing. This cautionary message aligns with the conservative values promoted within the French Academy, the primary institution for artistic training. To fully understand the drawing's meaning, we might examine the Academy's curriculum, the writings of its influential members, and the broader social context in which it operated. By exploring these resources, we can gain insights into the values and beliefs that shaped artistic production.