Baron Francois-Pascal-Simon Gerard – The 10th of August, 1792 Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The drawing presents a chaotic scene unfolding within what appears to be a large hall or assembly room. A throng of figures dominates the composition, their postures and gestures conveying intense agitation and conflict. The artist has arranged them in dynamic groupings, creating a sense of movement and urgency.
At the center of the action, a man is being violently seized by several individuals who appear to be pushing him forward. His body leans backward, suggesting resistance or surprise at the sudden attack. Around this central struggle, other figures are engaged in various actions: some seem to be shouting, others gesturing emphatically, and still others appear to be observing the events with expressions of concern or excitement.
A raised platform is visible towards the right side of the drawing. Several men sit behind a railing on this platform, seemingly presiding over the scene below. Their postures suggest authority and perhaps a degree of detachment from the immediate conflict. A figure in a tricorn hat stands prominently near them, his gaze directed toward the central struggle.
The architectural setting is rendered with considerable detail, including visible vaulting and structural elements. The use of linear perspective creates depth within the hall, drawing the viewers eye towards the back where additional figures are clustered. A partially obscured object – possibly a helmet or piece of armor – lies on the floor near the center of the composition, adding to the sense of disorder.
The monochromatic palette and sketchy execution contribute to the immediacy and raw energy of the scene. The artist’s use of hatching and cross-hatching creates tonal variations that define forms and suggest light sources.
Subtleties within the drawing hint at a narrative beyond the immediate conflict. The expressions on the faces of the onlookers, the gestures of those involved in the struggle, and the positioning of the figures on the platform all contribute to a complex interplay of power, resistance, and observation. It is possible to interpret this as a depiction of a pivotal moment – a sudden shift in authority or a violent confrontation between opposing factions. The drawing’s unfinished quality suggests it may be a preparatory study for a larger work, allowing for a glimpse into the artists process of composition and exploration of detail.