Lecture Notes: Jacques-Louis David's "Oath of the Horatii"

Context and Background

• Location: Louvre, Paris
• Artist: Jacques-Louis David
• Title: Oath of the Horatii
• Completion and Exhibition: Painted in 1784, exhibited in 1785
• Historical Period: Tail end of the Enlightenment, shortly before the French Revolution (1789)

Art Styles

• Prevailing Style: Rococo
  • Artists: Boucher, Fragonard
  • Characteristics: Appealed to aristocracy, formulaic history paintings
• New Style: Neoclassicism
  • Influenced by critics like Diderot
  • Emphasized virtuous behavior over indulgence
  • Rejected Rococo's lushness for simplicity

Enlightenment Influence

• Philosophers: Rousseau, Diderot, Voltaire
• Ideas: Rational thought over tradition and spirituality
• Impact on Art: Called for art depicting virtue and civic responsibility

Painting's Narrative

• Story Origin: Early ancient Roman history
• Conflict: Roman state vs. neighboring city of Alba
• Resolution: Three brothers from each side fight to the death
• Complexities: Inter-family marriages, no clear victory

Composition and Symbolism

• Central Figure: Father of the Horatii
  • Holding swords aloft
  • Sons taking an oath to fight for Rome
• Women and Children: Passive, curvilinear, eyes closed
  • Symbolize personal and familial concerns
  • Reflect Rousseau’s idea of women's role in the state
• Men: Rigid, tall, strong, angular
  • Represent strength, brotherhood, collective purpose

Artistic Techniques

• Classical Style: References to ancient Greece and Rome
  • Anatomy and musculature depiction
  • Lighting reminiscent of Greek/Roman relief carving
• Architectural Elements: Simplified stone interior, Roman arches, Tuscan columns
• Perspective: Geometric stage, orthogonal lines leading to vanishing point

Impact and Reception

• Contrast to Rococo: Emphasized virtue of simplicity over indulgence
• Public Reception: Extremely popular, extended salon duration

Revolutionary Significance

• Resonance with Revolutionaries: Brothers’ sacrifice for country
• David’s Political Engagement: Became revolutionary, voted for king’s execution
• Iconic Status: Painting seen as revolutionary symbol
• Patriotic Fervor: Captured spirit of early Revolution, rise against monarchy

Conclusion

• Despite completion before the Revolution, painting reflects Enlightenment values
• David’s work becomes intertwined with revolutionary ideals and fervor