Jacque-Louis David's Oath of the Horatii, painted circa 1784-1785, represents one of the finest examples of French neoclassicist painting in the 18th century. Commissioned by the Administrator of Royal Residences, and exhibited at the 1785 Salon, the painting depicts the battle between two groups of champions to settle the Rome-Alba war of 669 BCE. In it, the three Horatii brothers decide to fight the three brothers of Curiatii to end the war; the Horatii are saluting their father who is handing them their swords (Louvre, 2009). The painting demonstrates the glory of sacrifice and loyalty for one's family and country, and encourages others to sacrifice just as the Horatii did.
The Oath of the Horatii is a very iconic image; the three brothers stand in solidarity with one another, with the support of their father and their family to lay down their lives for a patriotic cause. The Horatii brothers are depicted as very strong, determined individuals; their limbs are outstretched and fully flexed, and their gaze is intense, staring directly at their father. This indicates the total commitment they offer to their father toward this duel. With this stony gaze and their statuesque poses, they presence themselves as symbols of Rome's virtue. We see this virtue as something we could have, and what we should aspire to be; we must be the bold soldiers rushing to defend our homeland.
David also makes clear this direct, patriotic sense of sacrifice through the use of tonal contrasts. The father and the tunics of the brothers are a bright red, their colors bold when contrasted with the weary civilians, who lie in repose at the right side of the painting. Their muted colors and lackluster expressions are visibly contrasted with the bold whites, fearsome blacks and harsh reds of their uniforms, the Horatii being shown to be literally bolder than anyone else in Rome. This demonstrates the sheer virtue of their act, and notes their importance in the grand scheme of things. Furthermore, the fact that this suffering is within the Horatii brothers' line of sight indicates that they see the suffering of the Roman people, and gladly grab their swords to defend it. This virtue is the essence of the painting - showing a newer, braver way to live, David urges us to take up our swords as well.
The decor is another important component to contribute to the sacrifice and change the Horatii brothers are making by this gesture. The discreet atmosphere of the arched background matches the civilians in repose, but keeps the whole event bathed in shadow instead of opened up to the sky. The curved arch over each group (The Horatii, the father, the civilians) places a halo of them, lending more credence to the virtue and goodness of their actions. This creates a more righteous atmosphere to the composition, showing the inherent goodness of this decision.
In conclusion, David shows his audience The Oath of the Horatii to inspire them to take action and remain loyal to their people and country. By offering the Horatii as bold, brave, and resolute soldiers, taking up arms for the sake of the weak, tired civilians, and placing a figurative halo over them, their actions are celebrated and encouraged. To that end, David's painting serves as a call to service, both for one's family and one's country - whether this be through military service or not.
Works Cited
David, Jacques-Louis. The Oath of the Horatii: Louvre Museum Paris. NP, 2009. Web
Toledo Museum of Art. Jacques-Louis David, The Oath of the Horatii. NP, 2012. Web.
