Jacques-Louis David

Jacques-Louis David is a French painter and conventional born August 30, 1748 in Paris and died December 29, 1825 in Brussels. He is considered the leader of the neo-classical movement, of which he represents the pictorial style. He made a break with the gallant and libertine style of 18th century rococo painting represented at the time by François Boucher and Carl Van Loo, and claimed the heritage of Nicolas Poussin's classicism and Greek and Roman aesthetic ideals. A member of the Royal Academy, he fought against this institution during the Revolution and, alongside his artistic career, began a political activity by becoming a member of the Convention and organizer of revolutionary celebrations. His commitment led him to vote for the death of King Louis XVI, and his support for Maximilien de Robespierre earned him, when the latter fell, being imprisoned during the Thermidorian reaction. His political activities came to an end under the Directory, he became a member of the Institute and grew to admire Napoleon Bonaparte. Under the Restoration, his past as a regicide revolutionary and imperial artist earned him exile. He took refuge in Brussels and continued his artistic activity until his death in 1825. When the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture was dissolved, the teachings of the old masters were lost, according to Eugène Delacroix. David was the last bearer of the pictorial traditions of the past. He was a master for two generations of artists, who came from all over Europe to train in his studio which, at its peak, had around forty students, of which Girodet, Gérard, Gros and Ingres were the most renowned. Art Institute of Chicago. Public domain. Enhanced by hand for an incredibly close rendering of an original drawing. You will be able to perceive the intensity and the material effect of blacks, whites, colors. Ships within 2-3 days.