Le Perruquier fatigué (The Tired Wigmaker)
1775
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1775
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Le Perruquier fatigué (The Tired Wigmaker) is a 1775 ink by Giovanni David, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a tired wigmaker at work late at night. He’s hunched over a table, holding a wig with one hand while his other arm rests on his hip. A half-finished wig lies on the floor, and a candle flickers beside a messy workspace with brushes and tools scattered around. In the mirror, his reflection looks just as worn out. The title *Le Perruquier fatigué* (The Tired Wigmaker) hints at the grind of his job—wigs were big business, but the work was exhausting. The loose, sketchy lines make it feel like you’re catching a quick glimpse of real life, not a polished portrait. Next, check out how this was made using technique: etching.
