Original Double-sided Drawing – Ancient Warriors And Greek Furniture

Double-sided drawing executed in pen and sepia wash, attributed to Jean-Guillaume Moitte, depicting several ancient figures inspired by the Greco-Roman world as well as studies of furniture and ornaments of classical inspiration.

The front features five figures dressed in ancient style: young warriors carrying shields, ceremonial axes, and ritual instruments, accompanied by a sacrificial bull adorned with a wide ornamental band. The linear rendering of the bodies, the simplicity of the drapery, and the balance of the poses fully reflect the neoclassical taste that developed in France in the late 18th century following the archaeological discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The reverse side features several decorative studies: a large shield adorned with an eagle and fasces, a winged figure holding trays, and two pieces of ancient furniture with sculpted legs. These drawings evoke the sketchbooks produced by resident artists or travelers during their stays in Italy.

Attributed to Jean-Guillaume Moitte, this sheet is in the spirit of the archaeological sketches he made during his study trip to Italy around 1770. A student of Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, Moitte belonged to a generation deeply fascinated by antiquity and the neoclassical aesthetic revival.

The double-sided nature of the sheet, along with the spontaneity of the line work, reinforces the lively and documentary character of this early study.

Good overall condition. Slight old marks and minor signs of aging due to the age of the paper.

23 cm x 30 cm