Nude depiction of an ancient male warrior figure in helmet, in a twisting position with arms outstretched, a bending figure beside him. Brown ink on paper. Approx. 24 x 15.5 cm.

The French painter of historical subjects studied under Jacques-Louis David in Paris and began an independent artistic career during the French Revolution. Forced to leave France, Gros moved to Genoa. His portrait of French commander Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Arcole in 1796 brought Gros to public attention and gained the patronage of Napoleon.[3][4] After traveling with Napoleon's army for several years, he returned to Paris in 1799. In addition to producing several large paintings of battles and other events in Napoleon's life, Gros was a successful portraitist.