A student, seated in a modestly outfitted studio, studies intently a reproduction of Jean-Baptiste Pigalle’s Mercury Tying his Sandal (1744, Paris, Musée du Louvre). Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin selected Pigalle’s figure for its twisting dynamism. With this choice, he also makes a significant statement about contemporary sculpture being just as edifying for young artists as classical examples. Drawing after famous works of art trained the artist in form, line and composition.