Jacques-Louis David

Jacques-Louis David was the master of Neoclassicism, an art movement that looked back to the grandeur and virtue of ancient Greece and Rome. Think of his name as "David, dutifully depicting drama":

• Key Characteristics:

  • Clarity and Order: Clean lines, balanced compositions, and a sense of calm.
  • Heroic and Moralizing Subjects: Stories of courage, sacrifice, and civic virtue.
  • Classical Forms: Figures inspired by Greek and Roman sculpture.
  • Dramatic Lighting: Strong contrasts to highlight key figures and moments.
  • Restrained Emotion: Controlled expressions and gestures, emphasizing reason over passion.

• Themes: Patriotism, duty, self-sacrifice, morality, and the pursuit of virtue, often tied to revolutionary ideals.