Jacques-Louis David
January 19, 2021“In painting the picture my desire was to represent the customs of antiquity with such an exactitude that the Greeks and the Romans, had they seen my work, would not have found me a stranger to their customs.” (Jacques-Louis David, The Painting of the Sabines, 1799)
David had a vision for the new approaching century—he 19th! He knew what he wanted to accomplish and he knew what his sources for that accomplishment would be—the past history centered on the Greeks and Romans. David lived in a time when he could not safely visit Greece but he could see the Roman ruins which were heavily inspired and driven by the Greek examples in art, architecture, and literature. David chose to look back into the past for inspiration. Such was his vision for the impending 19th century. Ironically, David paved the way for the arts to move into the early 19th century but, as it would turn out, his vision was short sighted and the 19th century evolved into a time of revolution and massive change. David understood the notion of Revolution having lived through the French Revolution and having knowledge of the American Revolution which was a spark for the French uprising 13 years later.
What are your thoughts regarding a very gifted artist who consciously chose to look backward for inspiration instead of chronicling the powerful and violent time in which he was actually living?
roberttracyphd
Nineteenth Century Art 
I find it interesting that David thought to look back to the past. I know of many artists that make art as a commentary on events in the present. David choose to not obscure his vision or passion by being inspired by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Documenting the present, as its happening can provide a visual representation of the the current time, but perhaps there is a lack of understanding, at least for the moment. Its possible that we won’t be able to properly understand what’s going on in the moment until much later, when we have a clearer and comprehensive view. When we look back at history, we have the opportunity to learn from it. See how they dealt with their climate. A gifted artist looking back for inspiration allows for them to learn how to move forward themselves.
Jacques-Louis David lived during a time when the cycle of enlightenment had reached the level in which the general public wanted a new way of life, one that valued societal ideals, morals, and government. At first glance, a man looking back on the past for art in a revolution time seemed odd. However, the Roman republic’s governmental structure, what they called their constitution, was originally designed to prevent their monarchy from redeveloping or abusing power in 500 BCE and lasted till about 30 BCE. Davide lived when his people wanted freedom from the authorities of abuse; it would make sense that he would find the Roman Republic in his studies fascinating and a return to it culturally enticing. Because while the average French citizens would also have been disturbed by the frivolous luxuries of the rich, the Roman Republic also made a point of despising luxuries, and those like Sallust blamed the addiction of luxury for the decline of the Roman Republic. I have seen the few pieces of David’s works from the PowerPoint and the textbook and looking at Belisarius Begging Alms,1981. page 24, I can see decorative columns and a pediment in the background and other decorative building we tend to think about from Roman. This really showed me how much David studied Rome before painting it. Belisarius was ordered by the Emperor to be blinded and disposed of for treason. The decorative and massive monuments and buildings did not begin till Pompey the Great, continued by Augustus and the dictators that followed him. David’s comprehension of Roman architecture was vast enough to know when and what would be appropriate for the environment of his paintings. This makes me believe that David maybe chose to look back instead of to the war for inspiration because he wanted to express to those who could not study texts or archaeological dig sites that the cycle of states would continue. That even though they were suffering, a government could be built out of it just like Roman’s great civilization did.
Hello Professor Tracy,
What an interesting first blog post because Mr. David lived during a time where he could not easily access something he enjoys and likewise so are we! The artists and art historians currently taking your class may look upon the past through your presentations but we may not study art that others are making today because of pandemics and lockdowns. We find ourselves looking backward to emulate what was ‘great’ and make it better. It seems that Mr.David did the same but during a time where he set the example for others, and then the others trampled over him with the knowledge that he supplied. By stating that he lived during a “powerful and violent time” and again comparing it to the current landscape of our lives, sometimes you want to just go deaf to things happening around you and place yourself in a different time. During this deafness it seems that Mr. David was lost in the craze for no fault of his own, he was simply overwhelmed by something much larger than him.
I think looking backward might have provided a lot more insight for this gifted artist in the same manner we look back at history. Which is to better understand the world. I think his reason to look back is simply a deep-rooted appreciation for the old arts. The same might be said with today’s art (let’s say Graphic design in Media), for people would rather embrace traditional artistic approaches than look at modern art. (Corporate identities, for example, are largely looking to associate themselves with minimalistic design for their logos and products, which sort of makes every corporate identity look the same. The argument I am making for this example is that the individuality in these creative artistic products in design fades against dominant corporate product trends).
There is nothing wrong with looking back to the past for inspiration, in fact it is respectable. Artists today think it is bad if you are not original when there is nothing wrong to look at what has been working and why previously. In fact, a lot of modern rap and RNB songs use classical music but change it a little and add a beat to it for the rhythm. If David was living in such a violent time that inspiration could not be found from the current era, then looking at past works was an incredibly smart move. Plus, it will make a new generation at that time look at his art and may look into what they were inspired by, having the style and history live on of the originals.
ART 472 – 1001
Ralph Mallare
Jacques-Louis David was a very talented artist and like many artists, they find something that speaks to them or provides the inspiration for their artwork. In David’s case, it was the customs of the Greeks and the Romans that sparked his ideals.
David was not able to visit Greece on his own, but he had seen the Roman Ruins which were inspired and driven by the Greek and he sought after the customs and proper representation of their work. I can’t speak for Jacques-Louis David as to why he chose to look back to the past, instead of focusing on a violent present (during his time), but as a artist, I would think that whatever motivates you or whatever inspires you is what you are naturally drawn to and that’s where you put all of your focus and effort.
Some of his most well known paintings, such as “The Death of Socrates” further shows his political stances and his ideals of representation and he had taken such a liking to the ideals of the past, he wanted his artwork to convey and portray that same emotion. “The Death of Socrates” provided the narrative of stoic self-sacrifice and dignity and maybe that was David’s own way of thinking as well and why he chose to look into the past and not focus on his present.
During this time there was a shift back to placing value in symmetry, simplicity, order, and rationality. In response to Rococo and Baroque styles that emphasized aesthetically pleasing, elaborate, and ornamental imagery. It is interesting that instead of looking forward, making new and innovative stylistic choices marked by the turmoil of the time in which he lived, he relied on ideals and imagery of the past. It seems that while his artwork was not directly a product of his time, it was in reaction to parts of his culture and society that he was opposed to. He still used his artistic abilities to create imagery that evoked emotional responses from those viewing it. Subsequently, spreading a message that was relevant and important to the people of his time.
It is strange that someone wasn’t inspired by such fundamental point in history as the French Revolution, especially when he lived and grew in it. The fact that he chose to represent the past over the new might be the key point to distinguish him from the rest who naturally opted for representing the changes. It is an unusual approach. I wonder if by studying his art there could be any hint of the context he lived in or it was purely surrendered to the past.
It is interesting that Jacques-Louis David chose to not represent the violent present in front of him and instead go back in time to use past artwork as a new inspiration for his artwork. One can wonder whether this was an intentional way to ignore his surroundings. Or whether the situation had become so mundane and normal to him that he chose not to represent it. Instead, he used Greek art influences which inevitably helped him stand out among other artists of his time. Although his artwork did not directly represent the culture he was in it managed to evoke many emotions from those of his time. It was not until later in his career that he took a stronger stance on political views into his art, he followed what inspired him throughout his life. He could not go to Greece safely and surround himself with what inspired him, so he brought Greek influence to his home through his artwork. That is a true artist.
I thought this was extremely relatable and interesting considering our current situation. As an artist myself, I am still looking back at past activities and friendships as this entire year for me has been put on pause. I haven’t had the time to actively and safely pursue new, inspiring, memories. I think David did not actively paint his current surroundings as they may have been a burden, or tragic, and something that he did not want to remember through his art. As an artist, we usually will paint things that bring us joy or satisfaction, and I think by David looking into the past, it was his way of coping with the present.
I feel like possibly he thought looking back into the past and dwelling on history was a better feeling that to work on what was happening at the present time. There’s nothing wrong with trying to paint history. Maybe he was thinking all other painters would probably do the same at paint about current events and he wanted to stand out and be different. Paint what led up to such problems.
Jacques-Louis David was truly an era-defining artist. He was a key figure in the history of European art, and I find his cultural response and influence of his deliberate art very striking and respectable. With his source of inspiration connected to the past adopting a more Greco-Roman style, his compositions show powerful messages of moral clarity with a sense of formal beauty. Although we cannot exactly depict what led David to choose to look back in history for inspiration, it is to say that he understood a great deal of the environment that surrounded him and found himself opposing it and wanting to channel his thoughts in a different way. Especially during the revolutionary period, he lived in, I can recognize the distress of looking beyond what was prominent at that time. It was because of his vision and accomplishments that emergences of new Romantic styles and blurred boundaries were able to persist then and beyond his time.
I think that Jacques-Louis David made a good decision to look at the backward. The retrospection in time works very well, not only for fine artists, but it works also for filmmakers, musicians, actors, writers, dancers, etc. Although, at his time there was no internet, therefore everything was harder. The Romans and the Greeks have amazing cultures, so looking backward at their achievements is a very smart decision. I think there is nothing wrong to get inspiration from the past. It is great to recreate something that is significant as the Greek and Roman cultural and architectural achievements.
I find David’s way of looking backward for inspiration to be a unique perspective for an artist to take. Many famous artists are known for creating work that reflected the time period they lived in, and David certainly had many ongoing world events to use as inspiration if he had chosen to do so. I wouldn’t necessarily say that creating work inspired by current events is better than work inspired from the past, as art made in either way bring subject matters that are equally worth pondering. I don’t think there was any harm in David consciously choosing to create art based on past events, as not every artist should be responsible to document current events through what they create.
I think that Jacques-Louis David was wise to look back into the past for inspiration. The styles of the great masters of that time are often emulated. I would think that this is how an artist consciously grows. Yes, it is important to keep a record of current events through the depiction of the times in artwork, but I think it is more important to perfect the way in which the story is told. I believe Jacques did just that. Before telling a story through his art he perfected his technique.
I think that Jacques-Louis David was living in the perfect time to think like he did. He lived in a era of turmoil, so he best bet was to either look from the past or try to predict the future. It often takes us looking into the past in order to move into the future as ironic as that may be. It was clear that he was very opposed to the society and the many societal factors that he was living in, and from looking at his artwork it can be argued that he was very rebellious through his art. Having lived through the French revolution it makes sense. Even in our modern day we look at the fantastic architecture and artistic values of the Romans and the Greeks. He looked into the past in order to carve the future and that I feel is the only way we can evolve.
I think that there are many factors that influenced Jacques-Louise David when he decided to look back at the Greco-Roman culture for his artistic inspiration. David was born in the time period when people rediscovered the Pompeii and Herculaneum which were buried in ash. The ruins ignited the stylistic return of antiquity. During his time in Italy, David got a chance to visit the ruins and emerged himself in the aesthetic and philosophies of an ancient civilization, and the experience drives him to study the Greco-Roman culture intensively. During the chaotic time of the revolution, people will probably gravitate toward grounded art styles such as Neoclassicism rather than Rococo style which is more whimsical.
I think him being inspired by the past was to block out some of the violence that was happening around him. He may have not wanted to participate in the politics of the time and wanted to influence people through art by making them look back on something he though was a simpler time. Clearly though that did not work out for him because people kept moving toward through revolutions. So even though I respect he looked back to the past for ideas, it would have better for him to focus on the future more. Perhaps mixing the two together.
I don’t find this idea strange in the least. I understand this want and feeling all too well. I can relate on the idea of why try to compare yourself to the new artists or ideas when you can build upon the teachings of the old masters before you, draw from their strengths and execute it better. Academics of all types, including academic artists build upon previous knowledge, expanding themselves to higher levels than those before them (that is their hope). I do this with a comparison to a select few old masters that I worship that were academics. Your competing with those who are long gone but much can be learned through seeing through their eye. This is reviving classical arts and reviving techniques that these old masters had developed.
In the end I find that modern artists are weak because they do not look enough in the past and seek to improve themselves. They do not hold themselves to the standards of some of the lowest level apprentices, yet alone the masters. In Virgil Elliott’s book Traditional Oil Painting; Advanced Techniques and Concepts from the Renaissance to the Present he states ” the distinction of Master has been conferred on so many graduate students, and people who call themselves artists but whose skills are well below those of Masters of centuries past, that the word “master” has lost its meaning.”
In the end it is the artists responsibility for their own education and progression.
“If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my master, it would not seem so wonderful at all.” – Michelangelo
I don’t find this idea strange in the least. I understand this want and feeling all too well. I can relate on the idea of why try to compare yourself to the new artists or ideas when you can build upon the teachings of the old masters before you, draw from their strengths and execute it better. Academics of all types, including academic artists build upon previous knowledge, expanding themselves to higher levels than those before them (that is their hope). I do this with a comparison to a select few old masters that I worship that were academics. Your competing with those who are long gone but much can be learned through seeing through their eye. This is reviving classical arts and reviving techniques that these old masters had developed.
In the end I find that modern artists are weak because they do not look enough in the past and seek to improve themselves. They do not hold themselves to the standards of some of the lowest level apprentices, yet alone the masters. In Virgil Elliott’s book Traditional Oil Painting; Advanced Techniques and Concepts from the Renaissance to the Present he states ” the distinction of Master has been conferred on so many graduate students, and people who call themselves artists but whose skills are well below those of Masters of centuries past, that the word “master” has lost its meaning.”
In the end it is the artists responsibility for their own education and progression.
“If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my master, it would not seem so wonderful at all.” -Michelangelo
I don’t find this idea strange in the least. I understand this want and feeling all too well. I can relate on the idea of why try to compare yourself to the new artists or ideas when you can build upon the teachings of the old masters before you, draw from their strengths and execute it better. Academics of all types, including academic artists build upon previous knowledge, expanding themselves to higher levels than those before them (that is their hope). I do this with a comparison to a select few old masters that I worship that were academics. Your competing with those who are long gone but much can be learned through seeing through their eye. This is reviving classical arts and reviving techniques that these old masters had developed.
In the end I find that modern artists are weak because they do not look enough in the past and seek to improve themselves. They do not hold themselves to the standards of some of the lowest level apprentices, yet alone the masters. In Virgil Elliott’s book Traditional Oil Painting; Advanced Techniques and Concepts from the Renaissance to the Present he states ” the distinction of Master has been conferred on so many graduate students, and people who call themselves artists but whose skills are well below those of Masters of centuries past, that the word “master” has lost its meaning.”
In the end it is the artists responsibility for their own education and progression.
“If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my master, it would not seem so wonderful at all.” – Michelangelo
I don’t find this idea strange in the least. I understand this want and feeling all too well. I can relate on the idea of why try to compare yourself to the new artists or ideas when you can build upon the teachings of the old masters before you, draw from their strengths and execute it better. Academics of all types, including academic artists build upon previous knowledge, expanding themselves to higher levels than those before them (that is their hope). I do this with a comparison to a select few old masters that I worship that were academics. Your competing with those who are long gone but much can be learned through seeing through their eye. This is reviving classical arts and reviving techniques that these old masters had developed.
In the end I find that modern artists are weak because they do not look enough in the past and seek to improve themselves. They do not hold themselves to the standards of some of the lowest level apprentices, yet alone the masters. In Virgil Elliott’s book Traditional Oil Painting; Advanced Techniques and Concepts from the Renaissance to the Present he states ” the distinction of Master has been conferred on so many graduate students, and people who call themselves artists but whose skills are well below those of Masters of centuries past, that the word “master” has lost its meaning.”
In the end it is the artists responsibility for their own education and progression.
“If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my master, it would not seem so wonderful at all.” – Michelangelo
Mason Rempfer
Annie Lin
In the way which the question put it, David is an artist that was alienate, or different from his time. In a time when people are involve with tense situation, it seems to me that David cares more about his inner world and the beauty of art. I need to know more about if it is his personality, or simply his belief made him this way. Still, I think it is noble to focus on your passion, and not being fully occupied by what is in front of you. David follows this path delicately. Also, when one is looking back to the history more often, he has more ability to see the whole picture, forming a more subjective view. In this sense, David is not only gifted with his creative minds, but also his passion in the past.
I think there’s nothing wrong with looking back at the past instead of the present for inspiration. In any case, it is not a means to disregard the need to find ideas during the period in which David lived in. I think it’s similar to how we search for historical facts by looking at the past and understanding how things had progressed to get where we are now.
In my opinion, Jacques Louis David chose to look to the past for inspiration because he may have understood the cycles in which history repeats itself. By knowing our past, we can start to look to the future and learn from mistakes of those who came before us. In his Neoclassical paintings, I think David is able to capture the realism and idealized human forms he studied from ancient Greek art, but adds emotion into the works that is consistent with his period. The expression in his self portrait shows curiosity, determination, and strength. These traits would certainly be necessary for his present life as the old ways were questioned to pave way for revolution and the Enlightenment.
I think its interesting that he chose to look back towards the past for inspiration. Many of us look for references that resemble something we want to draw or paint for ourselves and there’s nothing wrong with that. When we’re able to take inspiration from past works and add our own unique elements we create something original that is both unique to us as an individual and echoes imagery from the past.
I find irony between the mental state of the past being significantly better in the early 19th century and the start of Trumps campaign only five years ago. There is always consistency in looking at the past to move forward, whether that’s the goal or not.
In the perspective of David, while he drew inspiration from the past, the presence of violence and power still must have been extremely prominent. Thus, a new era of painting can be formed through combining respect for the past and disregard for the present.
I think that Jacques-Louis David is an inspirational example in regards to the cycle of history. His self-portrait shown above, to me resembles some of the ‘steely-eyed innovators of our modern day. We know from art history that academic and social progress is not always consistent. Looking at works like Socrates at the Moment of Grasping the Hemlock, I am reminded of comparisons made by the artist. It seems to be relevant that hundreds of years later. As in the quote by Jacques-Louis David, I would also hope the same “customs” have not yet been lost to time. I think that Jacques-Louis David served best by mapping the direction for the conversation in France, as opposed to documenting the misfortunes at the time.
All artists find inspiration in different places. I think looking into the past is a common practice especially in todays times. There is so much talent and beauty that has been created already, it would be a shame to over look it. Jacques-Louis David did the right thing by using the past to create his work. As a student who most of the art history courses before the studio ones, I think it has helped my artwork improve by having the knowledge of the past. Not only can you view art from others but you can see how technique has evolved and changed.
Like many famous writers, Jacques-Louis David was certainly a man who could learn to appreciate those who came before him and look to them for inspiration. I think the temptation for creators in any field to simply draw from and revitalize the past is too much, especially when faced with harrowing present-day events. The draw for nostalgia is always highest when the present is too much to bear, as many people no doubt experienced this year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
On top of this, Jacques-Louis grew up in a rather affluent family and was trained extensively in knowledge of literature and history. This could have inspired him to look to old Roman statues and architecture, fueling his desire to “bring back” ancient mythic tales in his paintings. His penchant for telling stories with these “new” representations of old characters is astonishing regarding the symbolism of hands and lines of perspective in his works like “Antiochus and Stratonice” (1774) and “Belisarius” (1781). It is obvious from these two paintings alone, particularly Belisarius coming after his five year trip to Rome, that seeing old artworks spurred his creative mind.
There is something of a criticism among artists, filmmakers, writers, scholars, poets and more about “regurgitating” words and artworks and the endless cycle of failing to be original, especially in 2021. But I think Jacques-Louis David safely traversed this by bringing his own story-telling into his works instead of simply copying those that came before.
Jacques-Louis David had very specific political views, and that seems to have come across in his painting. As someone who had a lot of knowledge of history, it is not surprising that he would look backward for inspiration as an artist. As artists, we tend to draw from areas that interest us. Also, being raised by his architect uncle, his interest in the Roman ruins makes sense. His appreciation for the ancient is reflected in works like “Antiochus and Stratonice” and “Nude Study of Patroclus.” Although David did not focus on the violent time of which he was living, I think that those parts of his living era could be ambiguously reflected in his choice of topic. As a narrative painter, he had beliefs and stories that he wanted viewers of his work to notice. Also, history may be in the past but it is relevant to all periods of time. It certainly must have felt relevant to him when he was creating beautiful works of Achilles, Socrates, Seneca, and more. As a student, I too am drawn to history, a major reason why I am minoring in Art History. Studying antiquity helps me to analyze the present in unique ways. I wonder if David felt that way too. He certainly has a sharp eye for detail. Also, his dislike for frivolity can be seen in his choice of historical periods and is reflected in his art in that he really seems to lean towards philosophy and politics over recreation. I think that there is no one way to make art. Artists can truly tap into their greatest creations when they focus on their passions, as David has successfully done.
I think by looking into the past for inspiration, Jacques-Louis David was able to differentiate and was able to become distinguished against other artists. It’s possible that when David was looking into the past, he was looking for connections and/or trying to make sense of the events taking place during his time. Trying to create a commentary of the events rather than creating literal depictions.
Someone who lives in a time of chaos and violence looking to the past as their inspiration is something that I can completely understand an artist doing. When someone lives through a crisis, as we are doing now, we want to find an escape. Those who create find escape in their art but they can’t really escape if they draw their present day situations. Jacques-Louis David is doing what many of us are trying to do today in the midst of the pandemic, finding a way to find a slice of peace in the chaos and crazy of the present day.
Perhaps David felt a sense of admiration and romanticism towards the past which we all often tend to when the present is difficult or troubling – we idolize the past and hold on to the positive aspects that we feel no longer exist. He might have found a sense of connection to his ancestry through revisiting and revising cultures of the past at a time when the current state of affairs felt uncertain.
In my opinion, David had a more advanced understanding and learning towards the nature of history and how it continues to repeat itself. That being understood by David, he wanted to learn from those mistakes and teachings/culture of the past in order to create a much more beautiful and intelligent future. From his studies of the ancient Greeks and his ability to showcase idealization and a realistic output in his work, allowed him to push the envelope of his work and studies even further. Though his theories were not understood, they were important to carry on and grow into the new era by learning upon the past.
It seems to me like David wanted an escape from his current reality , so he looked to the past where he can draw inspiration from. As an artist, it could be heavy and also have consequences of making art of current times. Maybe he was able to disconnect himself in a way where all the problems of the past were not personal to him. It is a good parallel to the artists of today where not a lot of people look to the past, but try to predict what the future looks like. Hopefully our future becomes bright and this era of terror will soon come to an end.
Hard to believe that an artist like David looked back to the past to draw inspiration for his work. As others had said, he seemed to have wanted to escape reality, however the past was reality. This is interesting due to the parallel to modern art, that in itself tends to look towards the past to compose wonderful pieces of art..
It appears that Jacques-Louis David was using past events as inspiration as an escape of sorts. There is a sense of nostalgia people get from times long ago, even if they weren’t alive to experience them. I think it’s easier to romanticize some aspects of the past than during a time of turmoil and think of more hopeful pieces for the future. There’s nothing wrong with an artist pursuing either of those aspects in their works as art is subjective and such a broad concept for each individual. There are also times where an artist would rather spend the energy in more hopeful inspirations, since they already spend energy living in tumultuous times. I quite admire David for choosing the past as inspiration, I feel that would’ve better given him peace of mind and a sort of vent for him at that time period.
I think the idea of an artist looking to the past even while living in such an important and revolutionary time is quite interesting. Perhaps it could be seen as an indication of how artists are often after new experiences, and even while living in such an interesting time by our modern standards Jacques-Louis David sought something that was a reflection of a time he had never seen as opposed to the time he was living in.
As with many artists throughout history, David’s work proves to be a reaction to the trends of the time. His paintings rejected the frivolity of the Rococo movement. His return to classical antiquity aimed to revive the Greco-Roman values of heroism, drama and strength. I find that this focus isn’t completely out of the ordinary nor unimportant. Returning and paying homage to history is a great way to make connections and develop strong ideas. The ancient works of great philosophers and thinkers like Sophocles and Aristotle aimed to challenge things like morality, and by referencing them in his work, David aims to retell those narratives to start a dialogue of the current institution.
I believe this look into the past was most likely a place of comfort for David. When we look back on our lives, we often look back to the happier times of our lives, and perhaps David wanted to emulate the splendor of the past. I think this makes sense as he was living through the French Revolution and most likely had no idea what the future of his country or what art would/might look like. Another thing to consider is that the past allows for a better design. For example, Disney has taken old stories, like Beauty and the Beast or the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and re-envisioned these stories for modern audiences to enjoy or relate to. Car manufacturers are doing the same; Jeep is rereleasing the Wagoneer as the Grand Wagoneer with influences for the past but with modern upgrades such as safety features that are now standard in many vehicles. So, in looking at it under this light, I would say that David most likely wanted to remind his 19th-century audience where Western art came from and to look for inspiration in it.
Seeing the same style and theme tends to be predictable, that for Jacques-Louis David work it would be a new sight and thing to look forward to. In a new sense his work may relate but in a different perspective to the time of his era. There is absolutely nothing wrong with looking back at the past works and looking at them for inspiration. We all tend to find a clue or guidance in a way and we all look back to the past for it. It helps one come up with something new or emphasize the main point. For example Kehinde Wiley’s work uses similar ways of the old master artists but with a twist to modern time.
What are your thoughts regarding a very gifted artist who consciously chose to look backward for inspiration instead of chronicling the powerful and violent time in which he was actually living? I think this shows a lot of the painter’s social status. he wants to express himself. by looking at the old master’s paintings, it is such an inspiration to see a new style and new ideas in history. david’s work was a new perspective at that time. it is a very beautiful and incredibly talented old master to have thoughts on what he thinks about the work and the level of skill that he obtains on his art.
Even though he was an artist during the 19th century, I believe that he made the right choice by sticking on what he was inspired in the past and learning about what he truly wants to study and go on from there. It is not a wrong thing to go backward to learn about history and gain knowledge of what he was motivated by. Just like music, where we learn about classical music when we first learn how to play piano or any type of instrument, I believe this is another way to find out what he wants to do as an Artist. Because of this, we were able to see his own style of art and learn more about the past history of what he was inspired by.
It’s interesting to think that David is in a very similar situation as we are. Because he is in a time where the “great” things are not accessible, he chooses to look back on better times. This is understandable in a time like today as we are constantly looking back at a time before Covid and reminiscing on the good times before all of this. It comes across as though David is just making the most of what he is given by remembering what was good, which is both admirable and challenging in such “violent times.”
I think it is interesting that Jacques-Louis David looked to the past for his inspiration rather than the time he was living in. Many artists, not only now but in the past as well, chose the subject of their art piece to be related to their current time. There are times where the past can actually bring more inspiration for an art piece than current times can. Given his time, it is interesting to see that he chose the past to base his work off on given the fact that he did not have access to the same technology that we do.