French Neoclassical Painter, 1748-1825 Jacques-Louis David is famous for his huge, dramatic canvasses of Napoleon and other historical figures, including Oath of the Horatii (1784), Death of Marat (1793) and The Sabine Women (1799). Early in his career he was a leader in the neoclassical movement; later his subjects became more modern and political. David was himself active in the French Revolution as a supporter of Robespierre and is sometimes called the chief propagandist for the Revolution; after the Reign of Terror ended he was briefly imprisoned for his actions. When Napoleon took power David became his court painter and created several grand canvasses of the Emperor, including the heroic Napoleon Bonaparte Crossing the Alps (1801) and the enormous Coronation of Napoleon and Josephine (1807). David also painted Napoleon in His Study (1812),
Woman in a Turban
1794 Pen and brown ink, 370 x 260 mm Private collection David worked with great energy while in prison. He made the drawing of a Woman in a Turban in the style of an engraving. He very pointedly inscribed 'J L David did this in chains' (i.e. in prison). Author: DAVID, Jacques-Louis Title: Woman in a Turban Form: graphics , 1801-1850 , French , portrait