Prince Joseph Napoleon, Later King of Naples and Subsequently King of Spain; verso: blank page 1805 - 1806

Editor: This sketch, "Prince Joseph Napoleon" by Jacques-Louis David, is a delicate pencil drawing. I'm struck by the gridded paper he used. What does that choice of material tell us about the work? Curator: The grid is key. It speaks to the mechanics of art production. David, a prominent artist tied to political power, used this tool – the grid - for precise scaling and control. It is a fascinating lens through which to examine labor, materiality, and consumption! Editor: So, it's less about inspiration and more about process? Curator: Precisely. Consider the economic and social implications of academic training, patronage, and the mass production of imagery at the time. It all becomes visible when you look at the materials and the means of production. Editor: That’s a new way to think about it. Seeing the labor and material context really changes my perspective.