Bust of Angelique Mongez 1806

This drawing of Angelique Mongez was made by Jacques Louis David, sometime around 1805, likely using graphite on paper. David's mastery of line and shading is evident in the subtle gradations that give volume to Mongez's face and drapery. The material qualities of graphite, its softness and ability to create smooth transitions, are crucial to the drawing's delicate beauty. The choice of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, speaks to the social context in which David was working. It allowed for quick studies and portraits, making art more accessible to a wider audience beyond the wealthy elite. The very act of drawing, with its directness and intimacy, stands in contrast to the grand, labor-intensive history paintings for which David is best known. Paying attention to the materials and processes behind art allows us to appreciate the artist's skill. It also reminds us that art is always embedded in a particular time, place, and social reality.