Jacques-Louis David – Artwork & Bio of the French Painter

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 Death of Bara 1794 oil,canvas
The Combat of Mars and Minerva 1771 oil,canvas
The Arrival at the Hôtel de Ville pen,ink
The Army Takes An Oath to the Emperor After the Distribution of Eagles
The Anger of Achilles 1819 oil,canvas
Suzanne Le Peletier De Saint Fargeau
Study for the Distribution of the Eagle Standards 1808 pen,ink
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
Scroll to Top