Seated Faun 1700 - 1705

Louis de Boullogne the Younger made this drawing of a seated faun with red chalk on blue paper. The blue paper, prepared with pigment and glue size, provided a mid-tone, allowing the artist to build up highlights and shadows. Red chalk, known as sanguine, was a favored medium for figure studies during the 17th and 18th centuries, valued for its earthy hue and ability to mimic the tones of human flesh. De Boullogne skillfully uses the chalk to render the faun's muscular form, capturing the play of light and shadow across the figure. The texture of the chalk lends a tactile quality to the drawing, creating a sense of depth and volume. This drawing exemplifies the academic tradition of figure drawing that emphasized the study of classical forms and the mastery of anatomical rendering. By focusing on the materiality and process of the drawing, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's skill and the cultural context in which the work was produced.