Jacques-Louis David was a French painter born on 30 August 1748 in Paris, France. Despite the influence of successful family members who were architects, David chose to pursue an art career. He first received art instructions under Joseph-Marie Vien before enrolling at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1766.
Coupling his determination with great ability, David made his mark on European art, winning awards, earning recognition, receiving commissions, and painting masterpieces. His association with Napoleon Bonaparte, who knighted him in 1803, further increased his reputation. Jacques-Louis spent his last day painting and teaching art in Brussels, exiled after the fall of Napoleon in 1815. He died on December 29, 1825.
What was Jacques-Louis David Known For?
Jacques-Louis David was known not only for his art but also for his political involvement. David managed to use his status as a reputable artist to enter the political sphere. During this period, Jacques-Louis painted scenes that served as a symbol for the Revolutionary movement. He also received commissions from wealthy patrons to paint portraits.
Who was Jacques-Louis David Influenced By?
History and political propaganda influenced most of Jacques-Louis David’s works. His earlier works were depictions of historical and mythological scenes. Subsequently, the subject of his paintings gradually shifted to politically-themed motifs, making him a significant figure in the French Revolution.
What Art Movement was Jacques-Louis David Associated With?
Jacques-Louis David was associated with the Neoclassicism art movement. Neoclassicism is a movement that focuses on history painting – depicting stories from the Bible, history, and various mythologies. The movement arose in opposition to the decorative and whimsical style of the Roccoco art movement.
Jacques-Louis David Artwork
Through his excellent mastery of color and draftsmanship, David etched his name into European art history. Below are some of his artworks
Cupid and Psyche
Madame David
Mars Being Disarmed by Venus
Napoleon Crossing the Alps
Portrait of Madame Récamier
Portrait of the Sisters Zenaide and Charlotte Bonaparte
Sappho and Phaon
The Anger of Achilles
The Coronation of Napoleon
The Death of Seneca
The Death of Socrates
The Death of Young Bara
The Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis
The Intervention of the Sabine Women
The Lictors Bring to Brutus the Bodies of His Sons
The Loves of Paris and Hele
The Oath of Horatii
Unfinished portrait of General Bonaparte
All Jacques-Louis David Artwork on Artchive
| Artwork Name | Year | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| The Sabine Women | 1799 | Oil on Canvas |
| Count Potocki | 1780-81 | Oil On Canvas |
| Count Francais De Nantes | 1811 | Oil On Canvas |
| Alphonse Leroy | 1783 | Oil On Canvas |
| General Gerard | 1816 | Oil On Canvas |
| The Marquise D'orvilliers | 1790 | Oil On Canvas |
| Countess Daru | 1810 | Oil On Canvas |
| Andromache Mourning Hector | 1783 | Oil On Canvas |
| Paris and Helen | 1788 | Oil on Canvas |
| Madame de Verninac | 1798 - 1799 | Oil on Canvas |
| Self-portrait | 1794 | Oil on Canvas |
| Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress | 1807 | Oil on Canvas |
| Death of Marat | 1793 | Oil on Canvas |
| Monsieur Lavoisier and his Wife | 1788 | Oil on Canvas |
| Monsieur Seriziat | 1795 | Oil on Canvas |
| Napoleon in His Study | 1812 | Oil on Canvas |
| The Lictors Bring to Brutus the Bodies of His Sons | 1789 | Oil on Canvas |
| The Oath of the Horatii | 1784 | Oil on Canvas |
| Bonaparte | 1798 | Oil on Canvas |
| Madame Recamier | 1800 | Oil on Canvas |
| The Death of Socrates | 1787 | Oil on Canvas |
