The artwork titled “Queen Marie Antoinette on the way to her execution” is a poignant creation of the artist Jacques-Louis David, dated 1793. This piece, executed using pen, ink, and paper, belongs to the Neoclassical movement, specifically categorized under sketch and study. The work, which is held in a private collection, illustrates the somber moment as the queen is taken to meet her fate.
The artwork presents a profile view of Marie Antoinette depicted in a minimalist style, characteristic of a study rather than a comprehensive portrait. Her attire and demeanor suggest a sense of resignation and quiet dignity in the face of her imminent execution. The simplicity of the medium, with its delicate line work and absence of color, seems to emphasize the gravity of the moment rather than the regal opulence one might associate with a queen. The linear precision of the drawing aligns well with the Neoclassical aesthetic, where form and clarity were highly valued over the emotional excess of the preceding Rococo style.
An inscription below the artwork complements the visual narrative, possibly providing historical context or artist’s remarks which further consolidate the significance of the scene depicted. The choice of this moment, capturing the fallen queen in her final hours, reflects a pivotal moment in French history, with the rendering by David offering an intimate glimpse into the tumultuous period of the French Revolution.