Midas, King of Phrygia

Using black chalk, Nicholas Mignard modeled the solid proportions of this figure and the sculptural qualities of his garments, adding discrete touches of white chalk for highlights. He made this squared drawing of the vain, imperious-looking monarch as a preparatory study for the figure of Midas in a painting. According to Greek and Roman legend, King Midas was known for his greed and his foolishness.