Early Life and Training

Jacques Louis David, a leading French painter, was born on August 30, 1748, in Paris, France. He was the central figure in the Neoclassical movement, which emerged as a response to the excesses of the Rococo style. David's work symbolized a significant shift in artistic tastes, moving from the frivolous Rococo to a more serious, classical style marked by austerity, severity, and intense emotion.

Artistic Career

David's artistic career can be divided into three distinct periods:

• The French Revolution (1780s): David became a fervent supporter of the French Revolution and a close associate of Maximilien Robespierre. His paintings from this period, such as The Oath of the Horatii (https://WahooArt.com/@@/D3AQF9-Neo-Classicism-Art-Movement), showcased his Neoclassical style.
• The Empire Style (1800s): After Robespierre's downfall, David adapted to the new political environment under Napoleon Bonaparte. His paintings from this period, such as Portrait of Jeanbon Saint André (https://WahooArt.com/@@/D365PE-Jacques-Louis-David-Portrait-of-Jeanbon-Saint-André), featured warm Venetian colors.
• Exile and Later Life (1800s): David chose to exile himself to Brussels, where he lived until his death on December 29, 1825. His influence on French art was profound, shaping the direction of French art in the early 19th century.

Legacy

David's legacy extends beyond his own work. He taught numerous pupils, including Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, who went on to become a prominent Neoclassical painter (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Auguste-Dominique_Ingres). David's influence can be seen in the work of many artists, including Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, who were influenced by his expressive distortions of form and space.

Key Works and Museums

• The Oath of the Horatii (https://WahooArt.com/@@/D3AQF9-Neo-Classicism-Art-Movement) - Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (France)
• Portrait of Jeanbon Saint André (https://WahooArt.com/@@/D365PE-Jacques-Louis-David-Portrait-of-Jeanbon-Saint-André) - Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, United States)

Discover more about Jacques Louis David and his works on WahooArt.com: (https://WahooArt.com/@/Jacques-Louis-David)