Original Double-sided Drawing - Roman Emperor On His Double Throne - Antique Study

A double-sided drawing executed in ink and sepia wash, attributed to Jean-Guillaume Moitte, bringing together several studies inspired by Greco-Roman antiquity.

The front depicts an ancient figure seated on a richly ornamented throne, dressed in Roman style, accompanied by a young musician playing a double flute against a backdrop of drapery and classical architecture. The scene evokes the ceremonial world of antiquity and demonstrates great attention to detail in the figures’ poses, drapery, and furnishings.

The reverse side features several archaeological studies: sacred vases, an ancient candelabra, a helmet adorned with a sphinx, and a garment inspired by Roman or Greek costumes. Handwritten annotations visible on the sheet reinforce the documentary and scholarly nature of this collection.

With its double-sided design and the diversity of the motifs depicted, this sheet resembles a sketchbook created during a trip to Italy intended to document ancient monuments, objects, and ornaments.

Attributed to Jean-Guillaume Moitte, this drawing fits squarely within the context of emerging Neoclassicism and the fascination exerted in the 18th century by the discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum.

A student of Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, Moitte belonged to that generation of French artists for whom a trip to Italy was an essential part of their artistic and archaeological training.

Good overall condition with a few creases and slight visible signs of age on the paper.

23 x 30 cm