Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David is the true champion of neo-classical painting in which contemporary narratives are played-out in a form of classical parody; usually Ancient Greek or Roman. 1789 was the year when the French Revolution boiled over, and the painting; made by David in Rome had its inaugural showing at the 1784 Paris Salon when the great unwashed were allowed entry to this bi-annual public exhibition. The legend of the Horatii evokes loyalty and patriotism to Rome at the pain of death among brothers before battle. Consequently the picture caused a splash, chiming profoundly as it did with the seeds of anti-establishment political discourse in France at the time of its unveiling. Apart from the obvious historical resonance, the aesthetic of this painting is masterly; dominated as it is by the strong angular composition conveying an overwhelming sense of unity and order - men in unison, fully committed to the cause! " its like a glorious aria in-tempo with the beat of a military drum!"
