Jean-Louis David and Jean-Jacques Rousseau Essay -- History Art Artwor

Jean-Louis David + Jean-Jacques RousseauQuestion In what ways and to what extent is an understanding of historical context important in approaching the works of (a) David and (b) Rousseau? The Lictors Returning to Brutus the Bodies of his Sons, is a painting by the french artist Jean-Louis David in 1789. Having led the fight which overthrew the monarchy and established the Roman Republic. Brutus tragically saw his sons participate in a darn to restore the monarchy. As a judge, he was called upon to render the verdict, and without hesitation condemned his two sons to death. The full title of this work is Brutus Returning Home after having Sentenced his Sons for Plotting a Tarquinian yield and Conspiring against Roman Freedom the Lictors brint there Bodies to be Buried. In 1789, for Jean-Louis David to bring up such a subject was majorly controversial and reveals how deeply committed the artist was to the brand-new sentiments and enlightement principals. Indeed, had the revolutio n not occured, this picture could never have been exhibited publicly. After the fall of the bastille, Davids pictures were seen as a republican manifesto, and greatly raised Davids reputation In regulate to fully understand Davids artwork, it is important to posess a certain amount of historical knowledge on the various events that took place during the artists career, mainly the French Revolution. Behind severally of his paintings is a story of historical importance. However, it is also very standardisedly that Davids paintings were often misinterpreted simply due to the fact that some wiz didnt fully grasp the significance of the artwork. like The Lictors Returning to Brutus the Bodies of his Sons, as recorded by the Roman historian Livy, Davids paintings covered many different historical eras. The Death of Marat, 1793, is more simplistic and intense. David was in officious sympathy with the Revolution, his majestic historical paintings, (The Oath of Horatii, Death of Socrate s, and Brutuss sons) were hailed as artistic demands for political action. He orchestrated the great festival of the people on 14 July 1790, and designed uniforms, banners, triumphal arches, and inspirational props for the Jacobin clubs propaganda. David was president of the Jacobin club on the day that his good friend and fellow Jacobin, Jean-Paul Marat was killed by a young chevalier who... ...y as Jean-Louis David and his paintings. Both these influential people helped to ignite a passion amongst the French general public and change French politics. Looking at Rousseaus idea for establishment seems unacceptable or impossible to us, however, his idea, which was prominent in the revolution, that sovereignty resides with the people, that man is born free. Both Rousseau and democracy preserve the idea that government is legitimate only if it emerges from us. Jean-Louis Davids form of neoclassical paintings which are difficult to seperate from their political and social context, we re very different from the traditional paintings of the era. When looking at Davids artwork one must acknowledge how artistic concerns were bound up with broader social issues. Many of his paintings bear strong symbolic political references. In order to read, think like Rousseau or understand the true meaning behind Davids artwork one must possess, from a historical context, knowledge on the French Revolution, how different French society and culture was and information regarding each artists background, for example, who they were, and what they meant to the general public of that time.