The Forestier Family 1806

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres made this drawing of The Forestier Family with graphite on paper. Ingres was trained in the exacting skill of drawing from a young age, which became the foundation of his refined, Neoclassical style. The work is all about line, and the unforgiving medium of graphite reveals every stroke. He favored this technique for portraits, often of the rising bourgeoisie, which allowed him to capture fine details such as fabrics, jewelry, and furniture. Ingres’s draftsmanship was highly sought after, and while his paintings could take years to complete, his drawings were relatively quick to execute. This allowed him to generate income and build his reputation. The amount of labor involved is significant; these drawings are a testament to the artist's skill, and a great example of how the medium itself can speak volumes about social class.