The present drawing is a fine example of academic drawings by Étienne Parrocel. The figure is both monumental and balanced. The support of the right hand on the ground, the left foot discreetly raised, and the delicate swaying of the hips give the pose movement and dynamism. The fixed and concentrated gaze brings a psychological intensity to the figure. The staff held in the left hand adds an iconographic element to the figure which could be preparatory for the personnage of Narcissus.



Among the other academies by Étienne Parrocel, we can mention that of A Man Seated auctioned at Christie's in 1997, and the seven Academies by the artist on the art market in 1983. All of these forementioned drawings were executed in black or red chalks on sheets of similar dimensions. All are signed Stefano Parrocel.