The Oath of the Seven Chiefs against Thebes c. 1800

Anne-Louis Girodet created this drawing on paper using pen and brown ink, heightened with white gouache. Look at the way he used these materials. The pen allowed him to create fine lines and intricate details, while the washes of brown ink created depth and volume. The highlights in white gouache are like light breaking through dark clouds, making the figures pop out from the background. This wasn't a quick sketch. It was a carefully considered study for a larger painting that was never realized. The cross-hatching in the background, the shading of the figures’ muscles, and the way the light catches on the edges of the shields and weapons all show Girodet’s skill and attention to detail. Consider what it meant to make a drawing like this in Girodet's time. Paper was precious, and the act of drawing was a way to explore ideas and develop skills, a crucial step in the process of creating a finished artwork. By understanding the materials and processes that went into this drawing, we can appreciate the skill and artistry of Girodet.