Pigalle - Louis XV Antique Emperor - Drawing XVIII

French school of the XVIIIth century, entourage of Jean-Baptiste PIGALLE
Etude presumed for a Louis XV as an antique emperor
Black chalk, white chalk highlights and estompe on grey-brown paper
49.5 x 33.3 cm - 67 x 51.5 cm
Minor spotting and folds - On two assembled papers
Presence of two watermarks: Lajoumard (active in the Limousin region from 1752 to 1778) and from the royal manufactory of Langlée near Montargis (active from 1740 - watermark used around 1765)
Framed in a majestic style berain

This study was probably intended to serve as a standard for a sculpture of a king (Louis XV being a good probability, if not a king like Stanislas or those of the court of Dresden) but was made during a posing session from a model. Antique costume was very fashionable in the 1740s, 1750s and 1760s, hence the connection with Pigalle and Lemoyne, who depicted Louis XV in similar attire on several occasions. The bold brushwork and the rather soft appreciation of form are otherwise reminiscent of drawings by Van Loo or Hallé. Cross-checking the watermarks suggests a date of completion close to 1765.
For the colour of the paper, rely on the grey rendered photos - the drawing is not insolate but absorbs a lot of yellow light.

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Do not hesitate to contact me for more information or photos. Currently on display on my stand at the Saint-Ouen flea market.