Neoclassical Painting
The main neoclassical painters are two frenchmen:
- David and
- Ingres.
 |
Jacques Louis David (1748-1725) begins
as official artist of the French Revolutionary Government and ends up as
offical artist of the napoleonic empire.
His paintings defend both the traditional virtues of the roman republic and the magnificence of the empire as they have been transmitted through history. |
For exemple, his "oath of the Horacii" and his "Marat assassinated" refer to the republican spirit, while his "Crowning of Napoleon" supports imperial greatness. Although he cares for details and historic accuracy with the same attention as a roman sculptor, he focuses essentially on the main character.
His composition, caracterized by the predominence of verticals and horizontals suggests stability. His economy of details projects austerity, yet his sense of color and light give light to his work.
More about David
Index of the course
Beginning of the chapter
Previous