Gender Roles In Jacque David's Oath Of The Horatii

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Jacque David’s Oath of the Horatii illustrates the influence of gender roles in art. The image depicts the Horatii brothers swearing their allegiance to Rome at the behest of their father. In the background we see three women, in obvious despair at the inevitable loss of life that is yet to come. David’s painting depicts the men in the center of the canvas, so the viewer’s eye is drawn to them instantly. There is a sense of energy and purpose in their posture. The brother’s faces show no fear, but rather determination, and there is power in their musculature. By contrast, the women are in the background, appearing weak and soft. There is sadness and despair in their faces, and the viewer can sense their helplessness. The men standing