David, Jacques-Louis

Jacques-Louis David was a prominent French painter of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, known for his role in the Neoclassical movement, which emphasized classical themes and ideals from ancient Rome and Greece. His works often conveyed moral messages and were characterized by their clarity, precision, and emotional intensity. Key pieces include "The Death of Sardanapalus" and "Napoleon Crossing the Alps." David was also a political figure, supporting the French Revolution and later becoming court painter to Napoleon Bonaparte. His art significantly influenced the direction of Western painting during this era.