Artwork

Woman with a Mirror, from the Villa Borghese

Woman with a Mirror, from the Villa Borghese, by Jacques-Louis David, ink, 1778
Woman with a Mirror, from the Villa Borghese, by Jacques-Louis David, ink, 1778

Woman with a Mirror, from the Villa Borghese is an ink drawing by the Neoclassicist artist Jacques-Louis David. It dates from 1778 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Woman with a Mirror, from the Villa Borghese is a drawing executed in brown ink with gray wash over graphite on laid paper, partially stained with oil. Created in 1778, it is attributed to the French artist Jacques-Louis David.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman viewed from behind, dressed in a long, intricately folded robe, with her hair styled in a bun. She stands on a flat surface, engaged with a mirror she holds, inviting interpretation of her introspective or vanity-driven moment.

Technique & Style

David employed a combination of brown ink for outlines, gray wash for shading, and graphite for initial sketches. The careful rendering of the robe's folds showcases his attention to detail and mastery of capturing texture through mixed media.

History & Provenance

Originally from the Villa Borghese, the drawing is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington, D.C., as part of a broader assembly of David's works.

Context

Created during the Neoclassical period, the piece reflects David's early adherence to classical themes and techniques, though the subject's everyday, personal moment offers a nuanced take on traditional classical motifs.

Legacy

As part of David's oeuvre, the drawing contributes to the understanding of his development and the broader Neoclassical movement, though its specific impact or influence on later artists is not distinctly highlighted in available records.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacques-Louis David

Artist

Jacques-Louis David

Jacques-Louis David was born in Paris on 30 August 1748 into a bourgeois family; his father died in a duel when the boy was nine, and a maternal uncle guided his education.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.