Woman in a Turban (1794) by Jacques-Louis David

Woman in a Turban - Jacques-Louis David - 1794

Artwork Information

TitleWoman in a Turban
ArtistJacques-Louis David
Date1794
Mediumpen,ink
Dimensions370 x 260 cm
Art MovementNeoclassicism
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About Woman in a Turban

The artwork titled “Woman in a Turban” is a creation of the esteemed artist Jacques-Louis David, dated to the year 1794. This piece is crafted using pen and ink, showcasing David’s proficiency within the Neoclassicism movement. The portrait measures an impressive 370 x 260 cm and is currently part of a private collection. The genre of this work is a portrait, a common subject for the neoclassical style which sought to revive the ideals and aesthetics of classical antiquity.

Upon examining the artwork, one observes a profile portrait of a woman adorned with an elaborate turban. The meticulous strokes of pen and ink render a composition rich with texture and depth, accentuating the fine details of the turban’s folds and the soft drapery of the woman’s attire. Jacques-Louis David’s use of light and shadow suggests a three-dimensional form within the confines of a two-dimensional medium.

The serene expression on the woman’s face, coupled with her elegant pose and the classical drapery, embody the Neoclassical aesthetic that celebrated the grace and simplicity found in the art of ancient Greece and Rome. David’s skillful use of pen and ink to capture such refinement and poise is evocative of the movement’s emphasis on harmony, clarity, and restrained emotion. The intricacies of the turban and the flowing garments lend a dynamic quality to the composition, animating the subject within the stillness of the portrait genre. This combination of stillness and movement, along with the meticulous detail and classical grace, makes “Woman in a Turban” a quintessential example of Neoclassicism and a testament to Jacques-Louis David’s artistic mastery.

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