Head of a Boy 1775 - 1780

Here we see Jacques Louis David's "Head of a Boy," a drawing of delicate lines made with graphite. Notice how the artist's touch captures a fleeting moment of youth. The texture of the paper subtly interacts with the graphite, adding depth to the simple monochromatic palette. The form is built up through a series of hatched lines, a technique that gives shape to the boy's face and hair. Consider how the curls are suggested with just a few strokes, each carefully placed to define volume and direction. The composition is classically framed, focusing intensely on the subject's features, drawing our eyes into his contemplative gaze. David masterfully uses light and shadow to model the face, revealing his skill in capturing subtle shifts in tone. This drawing isn't just a study of a young boy; it's an exploration of form and expression through the inherent qualities of line and texture. It invites us to observe the understated beauty within the artist's technique.