Venus, Saint Susanna, Mercury by M. Pigalle c. 1845

This drawing in black chalk shows three statues, Venus, Saint Susanna, and Mercury. Made by an anonymous artist, it’s hard to date it precisely, but the ensemble gives us a sense of the cultural status of statuary in 18th-century France. We can see in this sketch the importance of classical art, where the nude body was a subject of intense scrutiny and appreciation, as seen in the figures of Venus and Mercury. However, the inclusion of Saint Susanna indicates the ongoing influence of the church and its moral teachings. The drawing could be a preparatory study for a larger project, perhaps a sculptural group or a painting. To fully understand the role of this drawing, we might research the influence of the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, or investigate how religious belief influenced the development of art. This drawing is just a starting point for understanding the complex interplay of social and institutional forces on art.