David (Drawing Gallery)

Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825), along with Poussin and C,zanne, is probably responsible for one of the great turning points in the evolution of French art. A man of the Enlightenment who was equally inspired by the moral examples of classical literature, he altered the course of pictorial art in his time, leading the 'return to order' that characterizes French neo-classicism. Draughtsmanship was central to his innovation. David drew the antique ruins of Rome constantly during his first visits, perfecting his sharp, accurate graphic style. He was just as rigorous in the preparatory drawings for his great pre-Revolutionary works (The Oath-taking of the Horatii, Brutus) and the huge scenes depicting Napoleon's epic exploits. The Louvre holds the most important collection of David's drawings in the world, including two of the twelve Roman albums and several pocket-size sketchbooks. These detail the genesis of famous compositions including the Sacre and The Distribution of the Eagle-Standards . Othe