Analysis Of Oath Of The Horatii By Jacques-Louis David

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Oath of the Horatii is a very famous Neoclassical painting which was created by Jacques-Louis David in 1785. David was a very influential contributor to French painting during the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon. David was trained under the direction of Joseph-Marie Vien. Also, he studied in Rome. While studying in Rome he was heavily influenced by the experts of the Italian Renaissance such as Nicolas Poussin and Caravaggio. Overtime David becomes a leading figure of Neoclassical painting, with artworks like Death of Socrates and Oath of the Horatii. Oath of the Horatii is a history painting which is derived from a Roman Legend. The painting shows a scene set in the year 669 BCE about an argument between two rival cities, Rome and Alba Longa. The rulers of these two cities have decided that instead of having their respective armies fight for them that they will select three individuals to fight for the two cities. Three brothers from the Horatii family agree to fight for Rome against three brothers from the Curiatii family who have agreed to fight for Alba Longa. …show more content…

Behind the men you can see the women of the family who are deeply saddened by the situation, because of the many ties of marriage and engagement between the families. However despite these ties between the two families, the Horatii brothers obey their father in order to save their beloved republic. According to legend, one brother from the Hoartii family survives the battle and non from the Curiatii family. Oath of the Horatii¬ by Jacques-Louis David will remain an influential piece of Neoclassical