A Cleric Holding His Hand to His Breast; verso: blank page 1805 - 1806

Editor: Here we have Jacques-Louis David’s sketch, "A Cleric Holding His Hand to His Breast." It feels like a quick study, visible grid lines and all. What’s your take? Curator: The grid is key, isn’t it? It speaks to David's process, the very labor of constructing this image, potentially for later reproduction or a larger work. How does this direct preparation impact the cleric’s representation, his perceived power? Editor: Interesting, so you’re saying the means of production influence our understanding? Curator: Absolutely. It’s about more than just devotional imagery. Consider the cost of materials: paper, graphite. Who had access to these, and for what purpose? The sketch itself becomes a commodity. Editor: I never considered the economics of a simple sketch before. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure.