What is worth dying for? David draws comparisons between ancient Roman philosopher Socrates and the French Revolution Jacques-Louis David, The Death of Socrates by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
Enlightenment ideals of democracy planted the seeds for colonial movements in the Spanish colonies of the Americas. Independence from Spanish rule in South America by Dr. Maya Jiménez
As the low candles and late hour suggest, Napoleon is short on time. David captures the twilight of his reign. David, The Emperor Napoleon in His Study ... by Dr. Bryan Zygmont
Rendering the grief of wives and daughters, David depicts the wrenching domestic aftermath of personal sacrifice. David, Study for The Lictors Bringing Brutus ... by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Was this the beginning of the end for David—or a new dawn? As far as portraits of Napoleon go, there’s none better. Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Ben Pollitt
This idealized portrait celebrates Republican ideals and memorializes a Revolutionary martyr in the pose of Christ. Jacques-Louis David, The Death of Marat by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
In style and story, this rigorously organized canvas looked back to antiquity; it soon became an icon of Revolution. Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii by Dr. Claire Black McCoy
The stark space of this painting echoes the stoicism of its narrative—and reflects David’s research into antiquity. David, The Lictors Returning to Brutus the ... by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
Think of the children! In contrast to David’s earlier paintings, this scene extols the strength of women. Jacques-Louis David, The Intervention of the Sabine ... by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker