Study Of The Bust Of Pallas Athena. 19th Century Academic Drawing

19th Century Academic Drawing: Charcoal Study of the Bust of Pallas Athena.

The history of the Statue.

In 1797, explorers discovered a statue buried in the ruins of a Roman villa near Velletri. It had traces of red paint, indicating it was once brightly colored. The statue was brought to the Louvre Museum.

Vincenzo Pacetti, a skilled craftsman, restored it by adding missing parts like the helmet peak, hands, and feet, and polished it to enhance its appearance.

The French purchased it and moved it to Rome. However, during the War of the Second Coalition in late 1798, Neapolitan soldiers briefly captured the city and seized the statue. France reclaimed it in early 1801 through the Treaty of Florence, and it was displayed at the Louvre from December 1803.

This academic drawing depicts a plaster bust of Pallas Athena, known as the Velletri type. The artwork is highlighted by a skilled use of chiaroscuro, emphasizing the complexity of the forms and the elegance of the original sculpture.

Executed in charcoal on paper, the drawing measures 53 cm x 35 cm and includes a small restoration in the lower part, indicating the passage of time and the care taken in preserving the piece.

Athena, the goddess of wisdom, war, and the arts, is portrayed wearing an ornate helmet, symbolizing her divine authority. On the chest of her armor is the head of the Gorgon Medusa, a distinctive feature known as the "Aegis."

The head of Medusa, with its mythical power to petrify those who gaze upon it, symbolizes protection and power. In classical iconography, the Aegis not only serves as a defensive weapon but also as a symbol of Athena's wisdom and strength, capable of overcoming fear and conquering chaos. This drawing thus captures not only the majesty of the goddess but also reflects the rich symbolism associated with her figure, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient myth and art.

This drawing is part of a collection of 19th-century charcoal studies from the Accademia Albertina in Turin, illustrating the use of black and brown charcoal on paper to represent classical sculptures. This Italian 19th-century drawing of a standing classical plaster sculpture demonstrates expert chiaroscuro modeling, emphasizing the intricate details and textures of the original statues. The use of black and brown charcoal enhances depth and realism, making these works not only academic exercises but also genuine artistic achievements.