Louis David « Une révolution à l’antique »

Overview

One of the Louvre’s star paintings, with a dizzying composition. August 1794: David is 46 years old and in prison. Compromised by his association with Robespierre and his allies, he risks the guillotine. He reads the classical authors, and an episode from the founding of Rome inspires the idea for a painting. Once released, he regains his studio, his students, and his former fame. The painting would not be completed until 1799. Shown as part of a paid exhibition—the first attempt of its kind in France—the canvas attracted a considerable crowd. The scene depicts the moment when the Sabine women, who had become the wives of the Romans after being abducted, intervene between Romans and Sabines and bring an end to the war between the two peoples. In this work, David incorporates not only his passion for ancient Rome, but also a strong element of political allegory.