Oath of the Horatii 1784, Essay Example

The painting by Jacques-Louis David presents an interesting balance in the use of lines and balance.  The characters in the picture are holding their arms up, creating a triangular point which expresses the importance of their interaction.  The contrast in light between the background, which is steeped in shadows, and the characters in the forefront, who are in the light, presents an indication of their roles in the picture.  As the three men hold their hands up to the other in order to demonstrate their loyalties to Rome, the figures situated to the side seem to be having a conversation, steeped in secrecy, as they seem to be whispering to one another.  Their sorrowful looks contrast those of the men, who seem certain in their challenges to one another.  The shapes in the background of the painting are also representative of the figures that make up the painting.  The strong arches present the foundations for Roman society, just as these individual’s devotion create strength.  This idea is present in their stance, as the arch in their leg provides this same stability.  The way that they are spread seems to reflect the pillars in the background, which are supported by the arches.  The emphasis in the painting is on the swords, which are held high as their outstretched arms reach up to them.  These swords are an important element in the painting and reflect the background of the story behind the painting.  The form of the painting is achieved through the separate balances of the four men to the left and the distraught women on the right.  While the men are striking an epic pose that reaches towards the heavens, they are bowed with heads bent towards the Earth in solemn regard for what is about to happen.  The geometric shapes of the floor, being squares and rectangles, seem to contrast with the figures who are primarily shaped by these arching movements.

The painting by Delacriox utilizes a form of unity in order to create a dynamic inspirational portrait of the French Revolution.  The lady liberty in the center of the picture seems to bring all of the darker elements of the picture together.  In this way, the contrast between the outer edges of the painting and the lit figure in the center present a representation of the way in which those who took part in this event were untied through a common cause.  Furthermore, the light shining on her being seems to present the characterization of dynamic change and movement.  The balance between the characters is divided in a similar way.  The characters in the painting are essentially following her lead, creating a tone for this unity through the representation of their figures.  The use of space is also important in the picture.  Through the identification of the figure in the center, and those fighting with her in the background, the dead bodies in the foreground seem to represent a memorial for those who struggled and died for this cause.  The smoke in the background creates an interesting texture that is further contrasted with the bodies that lie in the foreground.  The city, and the revolutionary army, are mired in the smoke and seem to be almost emerging from it, as if from a fog or haze of ignorance.  These dramatic poses sweep across the landscape, creating a dynamic scene that seems to be moving forward into the viewer’s own perspective.  The contortions of the bodies as they gather around Lady Liberty and the flag help to promote this idea of movement, as all of the figures seem to be gathering around her.  In this way, the painting emphasizes her and the flag as the centerpiece for the work.  The flag that she is holding up seems to be repeated by the others holding up their guns in victory, demonstrating the power behind the revolution.  This swirl of individuals gathering around her presents a rhythm that seems to foreshadow a march towards independence for those fighting.  Even those who have been injured are looking up at her for guidance, creating an interesting unity that is centered on her.

My assignment is a self-portrait that was done in the attempt to reflect the neoclassical style.  This style is an attempt to create an idealized figure, rather than a picture of myself that looks too realistic.  Through the application of these specific ideas, the form of the portrait attempts to prioritize the features that would be considered idealistic to the ancient people.  This includes a fixed design that does not deviate too far from the geometric shapes that underlie my form.  By sticking closely to perfect geometric forms, I have been able to establish an idealized form that presents a close resemblance to the neoclassical styles that have been studied.  The portrait is drawn in pencil, and utilizes solidly drawn lines to develop the picture’s specific traditional values.  By drawing in this way, a basic sketch that looks like an idealized portrait of myself was created.

Works Cited

David, Jacques-Louis. Oath of the Horatii. 1784. Oil on Canvas. Louvre. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_the_Horatii#/media/File:Jacques-Louis_David,_Le_Serment_des_Horaces.jpg

Delacroix, Eugene. Liberty Leading the People. 1830. Oil on Canvas. Louvre. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Leading_the_People#/media/File:Eug%C3%A8ne_Delacroix_-_La_libert%C3%A9_guidant_le_peuple.jpg