tennis court oath quotes
Jacques-Louis David: in service to art, or to self?
Jacques-Louis David is one of my favourite artists. The neoclassicist movement would be unthinkable without his memorable paintings. I particularly love his “Death of Marat”, “Tennis Court Oath”, and “Death of Socrates”.
The man embodied many contradictions, something I can definitely relate to. A friend of Robespierre(an idol of mine), he pledged solidarity to the death; in his famous quote he promised Robespierre “If you take the hemlock, I shall, too.” Of course, he survived Robespierre’s fall from power, did not take hemlock, and was imprisoned for a time.
Released from prison, he aligned himself with Napoleon and his work became the quintessence of the First Empire style. For a man of revolution, a man who sketched Marie Antoinette on her way to execution, the embracing of a new royalty was quite a turnaround.
So I ask, was his service to his ideals(whatever those happened to be at the moment) or to himself?
Great question. It would appear to be a classic example of the question, “How far will a man go, to help out a friend who is in need?” Apparently, Jacques-Louis David was not willing, or able, to sacrifice his life for his friend Robespierre . I would argue that all “friends” are imperfect humans, and will always let you down sooner or later. The question that I would add is, “Did Robespierre ever forgive his friend, Jacques-Louis David, for letting him down, or did he want Jacques-Louis to lay down his life for him?” Even though a “true friend” should swear his life for the other, would it have benefited the friendship for both to die? Or was it better that one should live? I would have to argue the latter. I would argue that Jacques-Louis David had so much to offer the world with his art, that perhaps in the name of true friendship, Robespierre should have wanted Jacques-Louis to renounce his oath, and live for him. I for one am glad that Jacques-Louis lived, but it was truly a tragedy that it was at the expense of the oath to his dear friend. I cannot answer for the man. It was a difficult time to be alive. Perhaps he was no traitor at all. I myself would wish my friends to continue for me after my death, and to do the things and meet the duties that I would have had to do, if I would have lived on. I would give Jacques-Louis David the benefit of the doubt, and say that yes, he served both self, and perhaps his ideals as well.