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| Jacques-Louis David |
| 1748-1825 |
| European Artist |
| David was born in Paris, France. His father was killed in a duel, when the he was but nine years old. His art education began at the College des Quatre Nations, where he obtained a smattering of the classics; but, his artistic talent being already obvious, he was soon placed by his guardian in the studio of J. M. Vien, the pioneer of the classical reaction in painting. After eight years of struggle, he finally won the coveted Prix de Rome. Visits to Roman ruins, exposure to neoclassical doctrines, and study of Nicolas Poussin's classicism encouraged him to adopt a style and subject matter derived from antiquity. Returning in Paris in 1780, David soon prospered. Large canvases of classical themes brought him election to the Academie Royale in 1784 and sensational success at the Paris Salon in 1785. His firm linear contours, even lighting, pure colors, and frieze-like composition were admired, but his style was revolutionary and made an impact. The paintings came to be regarded as a political manifesto for ending the corruption of an effete aristocracy and returning to the stern, patriotic morals attributed to republican Rome. |
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