Sorrow Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825)

The drawing presents a female figure, depicted in a three-quarter view, her gaze directed upwards and slightly off-center. The artist has rendered her with a palpable sense of emotional distress; the downturned mouth and furrowed brow convey an expression of profound sorrow or lamentation. Her eyes are wide and appear to be brimming with tears, contributing to the overall feeling of melancholy.
The figure is draped in what appears to be a veil or shawl, loosely arranged around her head and shoulders. A laurel wreath encircles her forehead, suggesting a connection to classical antiquity – perhaps alluding to themes of loss, mourning, or even a fallen hero/heroine. The rendering of the foliage within the wreath is delicate, yet detailed enough to distinguish individual leaves.
Around her neck, she wears an ornate collar or necklace, its design intricate and embellished with what seem to be precious stones. This detail introduces a layer of complexity; it suggests that this sorrowful figure may also represent someone of status or privilege, whose suffering is perhaps amplified by their position.
The artist’s use of chalk allows for a remarkable range of tonal values, from the deep shadows under her chin and around her eyes to the lighter highlights on her forehead and cheekbones. This contrast enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure and intensifies the emotional impact of her expression. The background is left largely unrendered, which directs the viewer’s attention entirely onto the womans face and posture.
Subtly, the upward gaze might suggest a plea for solace or divine intervention, while the laurel wreath could symbolize both triumph and tragedy – a poignant reminder that even those who have achieved greatness are not immune to suffering. The drawing evokes a sense of quiet introspection and invites contemplation on themes of loss, grief, and the complexities of human emotion.