The idea of artists recreating a Greek or Roman original occurred in 18th-19th century neoclassicism. People were moved by classical art from Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome because painters gave there pieces a finished look with strong drawing. In the early 18th century, even English country homes would have paintings of Ancient Greek architecture. The beauty of paintings arose and brought forth the interest into the newfound gallery. Jacques-Louis David’s painting, The Oath of the Horatii (1784) was one of many found in the gallery, showing us the three willing brothers reaching out giving a Roman oath to fight to the death against the opposing town, Alba. The father is extending out both arms with three swords for his sons in one hand. This is a moment of strength, confidence, and distress shown through the figures, as well as color, contrast, texture, and scale. The Oath of the Horatii shows that the importance is detailed Roman sculpture and paintings.

The use of color in this painting is apparent as the background is plain and depreciated. The dull darkness and shadows in the back show the light coming in behind the soldiers, across canvas. The center of the image has significance, showing emphasis on the people within the story. The red and blue clothing the father is wearing is like that of the soldier we can see most of. The main color visible on this canvas is red, representing the blood that the warriors are going to become involved in. We can also see three silver swords being held up for a blessing by the elder. He looks where the light is coming from like God is looking down upon him. Two swords are curved and one is straight, and the unique sword is meant for the most visible son because of his importance and the similarity with his father.

The contrast of this painting shows us all the aspects that stand out. The three soldiers along with the rest of the figures could be perceived as a unity, however there are hierarchies within the image. With this known, the three sons are one unity, the father is one, and the women and children are their own unity as well. Each are under one of the three arches, there are also three swords, three soldiers, and three women showing a symbolic connection. The males stand straight upright and linear like the columns in the back while the women to the right are hunched over like the arches. The men on the left are also tense, showing superiority with their arm up. They state the oath in a vigorous style, while the relatives behind the elder are showing distress and sadness covering over the children. The distance and look between everyone shows how different composure can be within the same area.

The scale of The Oath of the Horatii creates interest because of the way certain shadows are made out. The shadows of the three men combined is small like it is only one person’s shadow. However, the most visible son has the light on him unlike his other brothers who are in his shadow. This foreshadows that only this warrior survives what takes place after this shot. Meaning that the other two soldiers with the curved swords are not going to make it through the battle. The father’s shadow is covering the children, protecting them from the light shining into the room, showing that they are innocent. Dominance in this picture is shown through the colors of the visible soldier and his elder, and them being what one first sees when glancing at the painting. They are the focal point in this scenario. Throughout the painting there is equal distribution of figures, creating a balanced feel. 

The texture of this painting is perceived to feel strong and detailed, like all the neoclassical pieces made by artists in this period. The atmosphere and background has a soft feel to it due to the light dullness of the colors. The overall look is clear and smooth, not many brushstrokes are visible.
