1. Jacques-Louis David 1744-1825 French Painter
Supporter of the French Revolution
One of the leading figures of Neoclassicism

2. He traveled to Rome with his master and stayed there for 6 years.
There he changed his style of painting, abandoning the grand style, baroque use of lighting, the highly finished and morally didactic style.
Influenced by artists such as Hamilton who had already begun experimenting with Neoclassicism.

3. The Oath of Horatii, 1784
“In 1784 the change of style was confirmed by the Oath of the Horatii (Paris, Louvre), probably the most famous and certainly the most severe of a series of works which extolled the antique virtues of stoicism, masculinity and patriotism.”

4. The Revolution Played an active role during the Revolution
Artistically reorganized the Academie
Numerous and Spectacular propaganda exercises

5. Helen and Paris, 1788 David was a major supporter of Robespierre
Was arrested after his fall from power by the Directorate; saved by his former wife

6. As Napoleon gained power in 1799, David’s career intensified again.
After the fall of his patron, he retired in exile, in Brussels, where he continued to paint in the same style, but also increased his interest in the mythical.

7. Jacques-Louis David Antoine Laurent Lavoisier and His Wife
                                                                                                                        
Produced excellent portraiture
Was a great teacher of many painters, most of whom did not follow his strict style.

9. Madame Recamier

10. David’s style was a reaction to the Rococo style.
An example of Rococo; obviously different from Jacques-Louis David’s style – the Neoclassicism.

11. Les Sabines, 1799

12. Presentation by Svetozar A. Dimitrov
Quotation, information and pictures from various web pages were used in this presentation.