Flying Figure Holding a Crown, Reclining River God

This delicate black chalk drawing, "Flying Figure Holding a Crown, Reclining River God," offers a glimpse into Jacques-Louis David's early artistic development. Though dated to 1760, when David would have been just twelve years old, this piece likely reflects studies from his formative years or perhaps a later re-attribution. David, who would become the preeminent Neoclassical painter, was known for his rigorous academic training, beginning with his studies under François Boucher and later Joseph-Marie Vien, who encouraged a more classical approach. During his time in Rome after winning the Prix de Rome in 1774, David filled twelve sketchbooks with drawings, meticulously studying classical antiquity and the works of masters like Poussin and Raphael. This particular drawing, with its mythological figures, aligns with the classical subjects David explored throughout his career, often drawing from ancient sources and mythology. While he later became renowned for his grand history paintings and portraits (such as "The Death of Socrates" or "Madame de Pastoret and Her Son"), this smaller work demonstrates his foundational skill in draftsmanship and his early engagement with classical forms, which would later define his iconic Neoclassical style.