The Oath of the Horatii

Evidence of a return to probity in historical painting, this oath-themed work illustrates a legendary episode in Roman history. Three brothers swear in front of their father to defend their homeland at the cost of their lives, the women being thrown to the right side of the canvas. The composition is characterized by its great symmetry, the return to a classical rigor. This imposingly sized historical painting was successfully exhibited by David at the Salon of 1785.