Studie van een zittende jonge vrouw, naar links 1709 - 1789

Etienne Jeaurat created this drawing of a seated woman in France, sometime in the 18th century. It’s made with black chalk, a medium well-suited to the preparatory sketch. Looking at this image, we can see the fashions of the time, the elaborate dress and styled hair. But consider the institutions that shaped the artist who made this image. Jeaurat was admitted to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1731. These institutions had a huge impact on the production and reception of art. They shaped artistic taste through training, exhibitions, and patronage, defining what was considered beautiful and important. Drawings like this one were often made in preparation for larger paintings, or as independent studies of the human form. They were part of an academic system that emphasized the importance of mastering drawing as the foundation of all artistic skill. To better understand this work we can consult period documents, such as Academy records, artists' biographies, and fashion plates. Examining these resources helps us to understand the social and institutional context in which this drawing was made.