The Oath of the Horatii

The Oath of the Horatii is a famous painting by Jacques-Louis David that depicts a moment from Roman history. It shows three brothers from the Horatii family swearing an oath to fight for Rome, symbolizing loyalty, duty, and sacrifice for their city. The scene emphasizes strong emotion, resolve, and commitment to a collective cause, with dramatic contrasts and classical architecture emphasizing the gravity of their pledge. The artwork is celebrated for its clarity, compositional strength, and its role in promoting Enlightenment ideals of patriotism and moral duty.