Oath of the Horatii 1784 – Jacques-Louis David Canvas Stretched, 1.5”

Description

Made with hand-stretched fabric on a wooden frame, these prints are extremely durable with a long-lasting semi-glossy finish.

.: Material: 100% polyester with semi-glossy finish
.: Handstretched fabric on pine wood frame
.: Horizontal, vertical and square options available
.: Assembled in the USA from Globally Sourced Parts
.: NB! Does not include mounting hardware

The Story Behind the Painting:

• The scene depicted in Oath of the Horatii draws from a Roman legend set in the seventh century BC. It revolves around a dispute between two warring cities: Rome and Alba Longa.
• Instead of sending their armies to war, the cities agree to resolve the conflict through a duel. Each city selects three champions to fight, and the victor’s city will be declared triumphant.
• From Rome, three brothers from the Horatii family step forward to end the war. These brothers are willing to sacrifice their lives for Rome.
• The painting captures the moment when the three Horatii brothers stretch their hands toward their father, who holds their swords. Their determination and commitment to their country are palpable.
• Only one of the Horatii brothers will survive the confrontation. The surviving brother ultimately defeats the three fighters from Alba Longa, securing victory for Rome.
• In the bottom right corner, David includes a poignant detail: Camilla, a sister of the Horatii brothers, weeps. She is betrothed to one of the Curiatii fighters from Alba Longa, and her tears symbolize the pain of inevitable loss.

Symbolism and Neoclassical Style:

• Oath of the Horatii emphasizes patriotism and masculine self-sacrifice for the greater good.
• The strong, angular male figures reflect Enlightenment ideals, while the passive, curvilinear women evoke Neoclassical aesthetics.
• David’s composition and attention to detail elevated this painting to a paragon of neoclassical art.