French painter (1748–1825) and master of the Neoclassical style whose most famous works include 'The Death of Marat' and several portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte. Rare ALS in French, signed “David,” one page, 6.75 x 8.5, October 21, 1806. In full (translated): "While I was finishing the head of your Eminence, my imagination was entirely concentrated on my painting, and I forgot to ask you that when you send me the order [monastic honor] that you had the kindness to promise, to also send your robe and cardinal’s ermine so that I can place the order’s necklace on it and see the windings the ribbon makes on the ermine. I will only keep everything for a short time, and will then send them right back to you. I’m happy if the head that I have painted of your Eminence can bring the same pleasure to the public that it gave me in painting it. May I offer the gratitude of my paint brush for the welcome that your Serene Highness was kind enough to offer my son in Rome. If such hospitality may continue for him, my happiness would be complete. He is still presently in Rome, staying with our Ambassador." In fine condition. Written while hard at work on his monumental 'The Coronation of Napoleon'—a project that lasted from 1804 to 1807—this letter appears to refer to David's portrait of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Caprara. Cardinal Caprara appears in the massive work standing at the side of Pope Pius VII, whose hand is raised in blessing; the cardinal is indeed seen wearing an ermine and an order on a chain. David also accomplished a matching, standalone portrait of the pope and cardinal in the same poses during the same period. In 1806, David dedicated much of his time to filling in the costumes of the many subjects in 'The Coronation of Napoleon,' and he requested each of them to sit with him for an additional two hours. It is probable that when David met with Cardinal Caprara he focused on the details of his face, and then made this request for his clothes and accessories to be modeled later. Autographic material from Jacques-Louis David is extremely scarce, and with clear reference to a significant work this is an exceptionally desirable example. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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