David and Apelles

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Jacques-Louis David dominated the French art scene during the entire period of the Revolution and the Empire with his paintings whose subjects are inspired by ancient or modern history.

A drawing representing a legendary ancient scene has all the necessary qualities to meet its estimate of £ 600 K on July 8 at Sotheby's in London. Good size, 28 x 39 cm, signed L. David and dated 1813, it was very carefully made, which reminds us that David was also one of the best portrait drawing artists. It is made with pen and black ink, and a wash of gray and light beige, and white over black chalk.

It shows Alexander and his concubine Campaspe in the studio of Apelles, which makes a synthesis of all the themes in the fashion of that time. Heroic (Alexander), erotic (Campaspe is nude), art (the painting being completed by Apelles is well presented in the drawing), symbolic (the work in the work shows the two characters at sea, crossing each on a boat and holding hands). It is also a tribute of David to Apelles, who was the greatest painter of ancient Greece.

The ancient art market loves the works that have not circulated for a long time. This drawing, not exhibited since 1925, was found again in 2001.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

May I compare David and Ingres? The David drawing was sold 650 K£ premium included.

In Paris by Jean-Marc Delvaux on June 26, a drawing by Ingres on a theme of Roman history was sold 960 K€ inclusive, 200 K€ more than our David.

The dimensions were comparable, but the subject matter of David had seemed more original, with a unique reference to art history. The Ingres was made on blue paper. This could have plaid in its favor.