History of Jacques Louis, David

David, Jacques Louis (1748-1825), was the leading French painter during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. He painted primarily in the neoclassical style, which emphasises solidly modelled forms, realistic details, and balanced composition. Neoclassicists often used subjects from ancient history to make observations about contemporary events. David's famous painting The Oath of the Horatii (1784) reflects neoclassical style and subject matter.

David was an active participant in the French Revolution and voted for the death of King Louis ...