Oath of the Horatii (painting)
"Oath of the Horatii" is a renowned neoclassical painting by French artist Jacques-Louis David, created in 1786. The artwork illustrates a pivotal moment from a legendary tale of ancient Rome, where three brothers from the Horatii family pledge their allegiance to their city by accepting a challenge to fight on behalf of Rome against the Curiatii brothers. The dramatic composition features the brothers in a strong pose as they vow to their father, who holds out three swords, while women in the background express despair over the impending conflict. This painting is significant not only for its artistic merit but also for its historical context, as it was produced just before the French Revolution and resonated with the revolutionary ideals of loyalty to the state over familial ties.
"Oath of the Horatii" exemplifies neoclassical themes, drawing from the values and aesthetics of ancient Greek and Roman art, influenced by the archaeological discoveries of the time. The painting's bold lines and restrained background emphasize the emotional intensity of the central figures. Upon its debut, it sparked considerable attention and discussion, reinforcing David's reputation as a leading figure in the neoclassical movement. Today, the painting is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it continues to attract viewers with its powerful narrative and striking visual elements.
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Oath of the Horatii (painting)
Oath of the Horatii is a painting by French artist Jacques-Louis David. He created the oil on canvas work, which was his first commission, in 1786. It depicts a scene from an ancient Roman story about two armies agreeing to send three warriors to decide a conflict. In modern times, the painting is exhibited in the Louvre Museum, Paris.
The painting is significant because of its importance as a neoclassical work and its timing, which predates the French Revolution by four years. Neoclassicism arose in Europe in the latter eighteenth century. The developing science of archaeology created a taste for ancient Greek and Roman forms and studies, including values such as patriotism, action, and reason. Unearthed ruins inspired artists to imagine mythological subjects and classical settings. Neoclassicism influenced art, architecture, the decorative arts, and fashion.
Overview
Jacques-Louis David (1748–1825) was born in Paris, France, and raised by two uncles after his father’s death in 1757. He studied classical literature and drawing, then went to learn in the studio of history painter Joseph-Marie Vien. He studied at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture and after four efforts in official competitions achieved a government scholarship that allowed him to study in Italy. The artists there and the ruins he visited had a strong influence on the young artist. Upon his return to Paris in 1780, and his marriage two years later to the daughter of a successful building contractor, David’s career began to flourish. He visited Rome again on a commission from Louis XVI to create a painting. The result was the Oath of the Horatii. He first exhibited it in Rome, then in the official Paris Salon of 1785.
In the center of the canvas are three Horatii brothers on the left facing their father, who holds three swords upraised. To the right are visibly despairing women: Camilla and Sabina in the foreground, with the matriarch in the rear with her grandchildren. The three groupings are roughly framed by three arches supported by pillars in the rear.
The painting is based on a legend about Ancient Rome’s war with the city of Alba Longa in 669 BCE. According to legend, the opposing sides agreed that the conflict would be settled by two groups of brothers who would engage in combat. The task fell to two sets of triplets, the Horatii and Curiatii brothers.
The painting depicts the Horatii triplets pledging their lives to bring victory for Rome. The outcome was successful, although two of the men died quickly. The survivor pretended to retreat but killed off the Curiatii brothers one at a time as they followed. The victor, Horatius, carried trophies from his victims, including a cloak. His sister, Camilla, recognized it as the cloak that she had made for the man she was to marry and wept. Horatius responded by killing her. Although he was condemned to death, the people called for him to be spared.
Oath of the Horatii caused a stir at its Paris debut. It was hailed for its bold lines and subject matter. In keeping with David’s neoclassical taste, the setting is based on archaeological knowledge of ancient Rome and the background is understated, leaving the viewer to focus attention on the classical figures. In addition, the message of the painting is that loyalty to the state is more important that faithfulness to leaders or family. When the French Revolution began in 1789, the democratic ideal of this painting was embraced by revolutionaries revolting against the French monarchy.
Bibliography
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Gontar, Cybele. “Neoclassicism.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Oct. 2003, www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/neoc‗1/hd‗neoc‗1.htm. Accessed 1 Apr. 2021.
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“Jacques-Louis David Artworks.” The Art Story, 2017, www.theartstory.org/artist/david-jacques-louis/artworks/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2021.
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“The Oath of the Horatii (1785) by Jacques-Louis David.” Encyclopedia of Art Education, HYPERLINK "http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/famous-paintings/oath-of-the-horatii.htm" www.visual-arts-cork.com/famous-paintings/oath-of-the-horatii.htm. Accessed 1 Apr. 2021.
Palmer, Allison Lee. Historical Dictionary of Neoclassical Art and Architecture. Rowman & Littlefield, 2020.
Pollitt, Ben. “Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon Crossing the Alps.” Smarthistory, 7 Jan. 2016, INK "https://smarthistory.org/jacques-louis-david-napoleon-crossing-the-alps/" smarthistory.org/jacques-louis-david-napoleon-crossing-the-alps/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2021.