The Cardinal Pacca

This striking black chalk portrait of Cardinal Pacca, though dated 1760, presents an interesting puzzle. Jacques-Louis David would have been just 12 years old at that time, making this attribution highly improbable for a work of this maturity. David, a towering figure of Neoclassicism, was known for his rigorous studies and later, his powerful history paintings and portraits. His early training involved intense drawing, often filling sketchbooks with detailed studies. He spent years in Rome, immersing himself in classical antiquity and the works of Italian Renaissance masters, which profoundly shaped his artistic vision. This drawing, with its focused intensity, hints at the meticulous draftsmanship that would become a hallmark of his style. David was celebrated for his ability to capture character and form, whether in grand historical narratives or intimate portraits. The medium of black chalk was one he frequently employed throughout his career, evident in other works like "Head of an Old Man in Profile" (c. 1791 or 1816–1820) and "Seated Gentleman" (c. 1810), both in the Met's collection, demonstrating his mastery of the medium to convey depth and texture.